Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4 - Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 for April 13, 2010

[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Issue]
[Pages 5282-5385]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

[[Page 5282]]

SENATE--Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was called to order by the Honorable
Jeanne Shaheen, a Senator from the State of New Hampshire.
______

prayer

The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, offered the following prayer:
Let us pray.
Lord of all power and might, the Author and Giver of all good things,
nourish us with Your goodness. Lead our lawmakers to trust You with all
their hearts, for You resist the proud who confide in their own
strength. May our Senators be honest with You about their
insufficiencies and discover the sufficiency of Your wisdom that can
meet their deepest needs. In these challenging days, embolden them with
new confidence in the ultimate triumph of Your providence.
We pray in Your sovereign Name. Amen.

____________________

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Honorable Jeanne Shaheen led the Pledge of Allegiance, as
follows:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

____________________

APPOINTMENT OF ACTING PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will please read a communication to
the Senate from the President pro tempore (Mr. Byrd).
The assistant legislative clerk read the following letter:

U.S. Senate,

President pro tempore,

Washington, DC, April 13, 2010.
To the Senate:
Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby appoint the Honorable
Jeanne Shaheen, a Senator from the State of New Hampshire, to
perform the duties of the Chair.

Robert C. Byrd,

President pro tempore.

Mrs. SHAHEEN thereupon assumed the chair as Acting President pro
tempore.

____________________

RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY LEADER

The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The majority leader is recognized.

____________________

SCHEDULE

Mr. REID. Madam President, today in the Senate, there will be a
period of morning business for 1 hour. Senators will be allowed to
speak for up to 10 minutes each. The majority will control the first 30
minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the
motion to proceed to H.R. 4851, the Extension Act. We will recess from
12:30 until 2:15 p.m. today for our caucus luncheons. By a previous
unanimous consent agreement, at 2:15 p.m. all postcloture time will be
yielded back and the Senate will adopt the motion to proceed. The bill
will then be open to amendments, and Senators should expect rollcall
votes this afternoon.

____________________

MEASURE PLACED ON THE CALENDAR--S. 3194

Mr. REID. Madam President, I am told that S. 3194 is at the desk and
due for a second reading.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will report the bill by
title for the second time.
The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

A bill (S. 3194) to provide collective bargaining rights
for public safety officers employed by States or their
political subdivisions.

Mr. REID. Madam President, I object to any further proceedings with
respect to this bill at this time.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Objection is heard. The bill will
be placed on the calendar.

____________________

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF STAFF

Mr. REID. Madam President, things were very hectic when the health
care legislation passed. At the end of that work period, I acknowledged
the contribution of several staff members to helping Congress pass
health care reform--the most significant domestic policy legislation in
a long time. There were so many valuable players on this team that it
was inevitable, in the haste of things, that perhaps I would forget
someone who was very important. I did that extemporaneously and tried
to go over all my staff, but I had many things running through my mind,
and I inadvertently left off one of the key players on my staff who
worked so hard; that is, a man by the name of Bruce King, who worked so
actively on health care, especially as it related to reconciliation.
More importantly, he is a good person, a fine human being, and the
American public is fortunate that people as talented and as selfless as
he have chosen public service.
Bruce came to my office after, among other things, serving in a
senior role for two distinguished Senators from New Jersey--Senators
Lautenberg and Corzine. He did that for more than a decade. He also
served as staff director for the Senate Budget Committee. He graduated
from Tulane University and Stanford School of Law and attended the
prestigious London School of Economics, so his academic background is
really sensational. He was one of the first people I hired when I
became Democratic leader, and it turned out to be one of the best
decisions I made for the people of Nevada and the country. He is very
easy to work with, very bright, and very helpful all of the time.
He has staffed me so well on so many issues in the last 6 years. He
did an especially exceptional job on the reconciliation bill we put
together to make improvements on the Senate-passed health care bill.
Reconciliation is perhaps the most complicated process the Senate
undertakes, and thanks to Bruce and the staff of the Senate Budget
Committee, we produced a reconciliation bill that both helped millions
of Americans and remained consistent with arcane and complex Senate
rules.
I wish to publicly acknowledge Bruce and thank him for all he has
done on health care and countless other issues for the people of Nevada
and the people of America.

____________________

RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER

The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Republican leader is
recognized.

____________________

FINANCIAL REGULATION REFORM

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, a lot of smart people have thought
about how to prevent a repeat of the kind of financial crisis we saw in
the fall of 2008. We have heard plenty of ideas. But if there is one
thing Americans agree on when it comes to financial reform, it is
absolutely certain they agree on this: Never again--never again--should
taxpayers be expected to bail out Wall Street from its own mistakes. We
cannot allow endless taxpayer-funded bailouts for big Wall Street
banks. That is why we must not pass the financial reform bill that is
about to hit the floor.
The fact is, this bill wouldn't solve the problems that led to the
financial crisis; it would make them worse. The American people have
been telling us for nearly 2 years that any solution

[[Page 5283]]

must do one thing--one thing: It must put an end to taxpayer-funded
bailouts for Wall Street banks. It must put an end to taxpayer-funded
bailouts for Wall Street banks. This bill not only allows for taxpayer-
funded bailouts of Wall Street banks, it institutionalizes them. Let me
say that again. This bill not only allows for taxpayer-funded bailouts
for Wall Street banks, it actually institutionalizes them. The bill
gives the Federal Reserve enhanced emergency lending authority that is
far too open to abuse. It also gives the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation and the Treasury broad authority over troubled financial
institutions without requiring them to assume real responsibility for
their mistakes. In other words, it gives the government a backdoor
mechanism for propping up failing or failed institutions.
A new $50 billion fund would be set up as a backstop for financial
emergencies. But no one honestly thinks--no one honestly thinks--that
$50 billion would be enough to cover the kinds of crises we are talking
about. During the last crisis, AIG alone received more than three times
that from the taxpayers--three times that. Moreover, the mere existence
of this fund will ensure that it gets used. The mere existence of the
fund will ensure that it gets used. And once it is used up, taxpayers
will be asked to cover the balance. This is precisely the wrong
approach.
Far from protecting consumers from Wall Street excess, this bill
would provide endless protection--endless protection--for the biggest
banks on Wall Street. This bill would provide endless protection for
the biggest banks on Wall Street. It also directs the Fed to oversee 35
to 50 of the biggest firms, replicating on an even larger scale the
same distortions that plagued the housing market and helped trigger a
massive bubble we will be suffering from for years. So imagine this: If
you thought Freddie and Fannie were dangerous, how about 35 to 50 of
them?
Everyone agrees on the need to protect taxpayers from being on the
hook for future Wall Street bailouts, but this bill would all but
guarantee that the pattern continues. We need to end the worst abuses
on Wall Street without forcing the taxpayer to pick up the tab. I
repeat: We need to end the worst abuses on Wall Street without forcing
the taxpayer to pick up the tab. That is what Republicans will be
fighting for in this debate. The taxpayers have paid enough already.
Taxpayers have paid enough already. We are not going to expose them to
even more pain down the road.
The way to solve this problem is to let the people who made the
mistakes pay for them. The way to solve the problem is to let the
people who made the mistakes pay for them. We won't solve this problem
until the biggest banks are allowed to fail.
Madam President, I yield the floor.

____________________

RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME

The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, the
leadership time is reserved.

____________________

MORNING BUSINESS

The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under the previous order, there
will now be a period of morning business for 1 hour, with Senators
permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time
equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their
designees, with the majority controlling the first half and the
Republicans controlling the final half.

____________________

EXTENDING UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Illinois.
Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, pending before the Senate is the
question of whether we are going to extend unemployment compensation to
the unemployed across our Nation. It is an issue which recurs in the
Senate with some frequency, and it baffles me why we continue to argue
over this question. We have 8 million people actively unemployed and
another 6 million long-term unemployed people. We know many of them
have lost their jobs because of this recession through no fault of
their own.
If my colleagues have taken the time, as I have, to meet with these
people, they know they are in desperate straits. There are
approximately 4 or 5 unemployed people in America for every available
job. When I sit down and listen to the stories of how they are applying
online for job after job after job--a great week for them is if one or
two potential employers even follow through with an e-mail of inquiry
about their background. It is a frustrating, fearful existence, and it
is one that is made no easier by the actions of the Senate.
We have been lurching from month to month, creating uncertainty as to
whether we are going to send these people a check to live on--a basic
unemployment benefit check of some $300 a week. Consider how any of us
could survive, and even some with families, with that meager amount of
money. The argument is made on the other side of the aisle by many that
when you give people $300 a week--$1,200 a month--it just makes them
lazy and they stop looking for jobs. I wonder how many in this Chamber
could live on $300 a week for everything--rent, utilities, maybe a
mortgage payment, school clothing, kids' shoes, food--the basics. And
don't forget that most of these people, when they lost their jobs, also
lost their health insurance. So they live not only in fear of not
finding a job but in fear that tomorrow morning a diagnosis or an
accident can devastate everything they have ever saved for in their
lives. Yet every 4 or 5 weeks we go through this drill on the floor of
the Senate about whether we are going to help these people.
Some on the other side of the aisle say this is all about the
deficit. We have to get serious about this deficit, and here is our
opportunity: unemployment benefits for those unemployed across America.
This is where we will make our stand for fiscal sanity. Where were they
when the last President asked us for a bank bailout of $800 billion?
How many on that side of the aisle were saying to President Bush: I am
sorry, we can't bail out banks because we have a deficit. I don't
remember hearing that argument. When it came to bank bailouts, the
other side of the aisle, by and large--not all of them but by and
large--voted for hundreds of billions of dollars for banks in distress.
But when it comes to unemployment compensation to help families in
distress, then we have to really consider this deficit.
I am troubled by this. We know that when natural disasters strike our
States, we rally to the victims. We rally to their needs and we say:
Take care of the immediate challenge. We will deal with the budgetary
issues at the appropriate time, but let's take care of the emergency.
Yet when it comes to unemployment compensation and health insurance for
the unemployed, many on the other side of the aisle don't consider that
an emergency. It would be an emergency if they had to live on $300 a
week and it was cut off. It would be an emergency if they had no health
insurance. Why do we do this? I think we are a better Nation. We should
be a better Senate than to turn our backs on people truly in need, and
that is what is going on here.
We have to urge our colleagues to come forward with amendments, if
that is what they want, offer the amendments and debate them, which is
their right in the Senate.
But then let's get on with it. Let's have a final vote. Let's give
some security and peace of mind to the people who have lost their
unemployment benefits because of the objections of one Senator. That is
right. One Senator stood and objected and 21,000 Americans lost their
unemployment benefits last week; 21,000 will lose them this week, and
in my State 16,000 a week are falling off unemployment, 16,000 people
who will not receive that $300 check.
What are they going to do? Well, I think we should respond to this
need immediately, and we ought to take into consideration the fact that
when it comes to this recession, there are some positive things, some
good news,

[[Page 5284]]

not nearly enough of it. Too many people still unemployed.
The unemployment figures, though very slightly better, show at least
we are moving on the positive side of the ledger. We need to do so much
more. Every single Senator on the other side of the aisle who is voting
against unemployment benefits also voted against President Barrack
Obama's efforts to put money into our economy and bring us out of this
recession. It is starting to work. I hope it works soon.
We know what this devastation did to us. We lost some $17 trillion in
value across America because of this recession. That is more than 1
year's gross domestic product, the sum total value of all the goods and
services produced in America in 1 year. We lost that in this recession.
Many of us felt it personally in our savings accounts and retirement
accounts. A lot of people felt it as their businesses strained and some
failed. Others felt it when they lost their jobs and had no place to
turn--$17 trillion dragged out of this economy.
The President came in and said: Let's put a stimulus bill in, a bill
for reinvestment in America. First, let's give a tax cut, the largest
tax cut to working families that we have seen in recent times. Then
let's provide a safety net for those who lost the jobs and State and
local governments still struggling and, finally, let's invest in some
projects that we will build for America's future: school construction
and highways and airports and a variety of things.
I went to Spring Valley, IL, over the break. It is a small town. But
they were celebrating because $4\1/2\ million from the President's
stimulus package was going to make it to Spring Valley, IL, to build
sewer lines which they have needed for decades.
As we had a press conference in this tiny town, where a weekly
newspaper and radio station showed up, there were people lining the
streets in front of their homes saying: Thank you. Our homes have been
flooded out every time we have had a serious rainfall in this town. Now
we are going to have storm sewers here, and local people are going to
work to build them. The jobs are not going to be exported. The jobs are
going to be right here in America, good-paying jobs.
So those investments are going to pay off for Spring Valley, for
Illinois, and for this Nation for a long time to come. When it came
right down to it, only a handful of Republican Senators would even help
us pass that important measure.
After this, we are going to have the financial regulatory reform
bill. It is going to be a fight because, you see, the very banks and
financial institutions which dragged us into this recession are
fighting tooth and nail to stop the reform and regulation we need to
avoid a repeat of this crisis.
Shame on us if, at the end of the day, we do not put enough oversight
and regulation into law to protect Americans from another recession
such as this one. A lot of mistakes were made. Some were made by
government, but a lot were made by the private sector which, in their
excitement and greed, got involved in some policies which were
indefensible.
We have read now--there are more and more books coming out analyzing
this situation--that many financial institutions took advantage of the
opportunities presented to them. They took advantage of a lot of
people.
One of the important parts of financial regulation is to make sure we
are going to have a cop on the beat, a consumer protection agency. Oh,
the business interests are howling over this. The banks are howling
over this notion that we would have an agency that literally looks out
for the consumers of America. Have you ever been through a real estate
closing with a stack of papers about this tall and they turn the corner
of each of the pages and say: Keep signing. About 20 minutes from now,
we are going to hand you a check and that home will be yours.
About halfway through you pause and you say: What am I signing?
Oh, standard forms. The government requires it. Just a lot of
paperwork. Keep rolling.
Off you go. Buried in one of those papers may be language that could
destroy you financially. I am not making this up, because prepayment
penalties on mortgages trapped a lot of people into these exploding
subprime mortgages and they could not get out. They lost their homes,
they lost their savings, they lost everything, and they filed for
bankruptcy because of one sentence in one form in a stack of papers
pushed at you at a real estate closing.
Is it too much to ask that we have one agency of government, one
agency that keeps an eye out for those tricks and traps which lure
people in and can destroy them financially? How many of us have taken
the time with our monthly credit card statement to flip it over and
read the back page, that faint print, tiny line after tiny line that is
almost impossible, even for someone who went to law school, to
understand?
Virtually none of us do that. How many of us take a careful look at
those letters you get from the credit card companies which kind of
announce maybe the interest rate is going up?
Well, the fact is, even those with good education, even with business
backgrounds, we might struggle to understand what all this means. The
terms keep changing. Is it not appropriate we have at least one agency
of government that steps back and says: This should not be allowed.
This violates public policy.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission makes sure the toaster you
bought at the store is not going to catch fire in your kitchen. The
Food and Drug Administration makes sure the food you buy at the store
is safe to eat. They make sure the pills you bought through the
pharmacy are going to be safe and effective. Is it too much to ask that
we have one agency, one watchdog oversight agency, that takes a look at
all the financial information that is thrown at American families and
businesses every single day?
My old friend, Dale Bumpers, former Senator from Arkansas, had a
saying that applies here. They say, of the financial institutions and
consumer protection, they hate this like the devil hates Holy water.
The notion that there would be one agency looking out for consumers
and families across America when it comes to financial instruments,
credit card applications and mortgages, that, to me, is very basic. I
am working on several amendments with my colleagues on financial
regulatory reform that Senator Kay Hagan from North Carolina and I are
interested in. She is going to take the lead on an issue she worked on
in North Carolina in the legislature; that is, these payday loans,
title loans, same day loans. These are awful.
The States that try to regulate them find that no matter how they
write the law, within a matter of days, these organizations and
companies find a way to scoot around it, to charge people outrageous
interest rates for small loans which most of them default on because it
is impossible to pay back. They roll over and roll over and finally
they cannot pay them. Then they face foreclosures and the kind of
seizures of property that many of us are aware of. That, to me, is an
outrage.
Years ago, Senator Talent, a Republican from Missouri, heard from the
Pentagon that these payday loan operations, those fly-by-night loan
operations, were undermining our military because they were parking
themselves outside military installations and making these loans. When
our men and women in uniform got dragged into them, they became
financially insolvent to the point where some had to leave the
military, they were so broke.
So we made it a matter of policy across the United States that these
predatory lenders could not lend money to military families. We said:
As a matter of law and national security, we were going to stop their
business with military families. But we did not protect the rest of
America, and we should.
Senator Hagan has an amendment to deal with that. Senator Sanders of
Vermont is going to address the issue of what is a fair interest rate
in America. Should there be a limit? I think

[[Page 5285]]

there should. I do believe there should be. I have my own bill. He has
his. Between us, we hope one of them will pass, to establish that at
least there is a limit to how much you can be charged in interest on a
loan you take out.
This is a critically important bill that is going to come up soon.
Senator Dodd, of Connecticut, has done a great job. He is the chairman
of the Banking Committee. He will be bringing this bill to the floor.
So far we have had no Republican support. There have been some
indications in the media recently that they are now interested in the
bill. We welcome them if they want to come on board and help us pass
it.
But if they do not, if they want to stand for these financial
institutions, to just say no when it comes to reform and regulation,
then that is a debate worth engaging in.
I yield the floor.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Rhode Island.

____________________

RHODE ISLAND FLOODING

Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I rise to describe the catastrophic flood damage in
my home State of Rhode Island and to ask all my colleagues, to appeal
to my colleagues, for swift action to deliver to our families and
businesses badly needed aid.
Rhode Island saw more rain last month than any month on record: over
16 inches, with over 5 inches of rain falling on March 30 alone. The
devastation wrought by these storms exceeds anything in living memory.
Meteorologists who have reviewed this are calling it the most
damaging storm to hit the ``Ocean State'' since the Great September
Gale of 1815, a monstrosity of a storm that tossed ships through the
streets of Providence and carried out to sea the shops on Newport's
Long Wharf.
Rhode Island's floods of March 2010 could not have come at a worse
time. They struck a Rhode Island already weakened by the worst
recession we have seen since the Great Depression. Even before the
recent flooding, unemployment in our State stood near 13 percent and
homelessness was on the rise. We have already experienced 27 months of
severe recession. For a year, we have been in the top three States for
unemployment.
It is too soon yet to estimate the full economic impact of the March
flooding, but it is clear the flooding's economic damage will be
prolonged and severe.
The peak storm of March 30 and 31 brought commerce in the entire
region to a halt. Route I-95, the main artery that connects the major
cities of the New England and Middle Atlantic States, was closed for 2
full days, flooded out, following a surge of the Pawtuxet River.
The river, which has a flood level of 9 feet, crested at its alltime
high, almost 21 feet on March 31. It is hard to overstate the
importance of this highway to Rhode Island's economy because it is not
only a regional artery, but it is the main commuter artery for our home
State.
Similarly, Amtrak's Northeast service was closed for 5 days due to
flooding of the track in our State.
This next picture shows the Warwick Mall. It is one of the largest
shopping centers in the State. It was completely flooded following the
unprecedented rainfall of March 30 and 31. You can see the top of a car
right up to the hood. You can see the entry is completely flooded.
There are thousands of Rhode Islanders who work at the mall, others use
the mall, many have kiosks who sell within the mall. Suddenly, with
very little warning, they are temporarily unemployed.
I toured this complex with its owner, Aram Garabedian, just after the
water had gone down. The water was only about an inch deep when we were
there. You could still see--it says ``Food Court.'' You could still, in
the food court, some of the flooding was vanilla and some of the
flooding was chocolate because of the ice cream stores that had lost
their power and melted into the flood.
Mr. Garabedian and his workers are in the middle of a heroic job
cleaning up, and they are determined to reopen as soon as possible. But
it could be weeks or even months until all those stores are back in
business. Those, of course, are weeks and months when families who
depend on paychecks from this mall will need to survive on unemployment
benefits; unemployment benefits, I might add, with which our friends on
the other side are trying to interfere.
Some store owners doubt whether they will be able to reopen at all. I
recently held a telephone townhall during which a store owner named
Kathleen told me about the damage to her store in the mall which had
been in business for 25 years. Her payment counter and her register
were destroyed. The drywall in her store was ruined. Little if any of
the merchandise or fixtures appear to be salvageable. Kathleen's flood
insurance company has claimed that her damage is not covered. She said
if she doesn't receive some grant assistance from the government, she
will not be able to reopen, after 25 years.
We can see from this picture the scale of hardship that business
owners are facing as they begin to clean up their stores. It is
difficult to relay in a single speech the extent of the devastation
wrought by the floodwaters. Flooding in places where, as I went around
the State, the thing I heard more than anything else was: 35 years I
have lived here, never even water in the basement, and now look at
this.
I wish to take a few more minutes to show some pictures that
represent the damage. These were taken as I toured throughout the State
in the immediate aftermath of the storms. This is the Natick pumping
station which sits near a river bank in west Warwick. It is the sewage
treatment plant overwhelmed by the floodwaters and largely submerged.
The flooding crippled the station's ability to process sewage and
caused essentially all of the untreated waste that would have gone
through it to flow out into local waterways. This station was
submerged. The Warwick sewage treatment plant was submerged, and
Bristol's sewage treatment plant was also inundated. The Warwick
treatment plant became really part of the river. It just flowed right
through and across it. So for days Rhode Island's floodwaters were
contaminated with raw sewage.
On March 30, I visited Glen Rock Reservoir in south Kingstown with
town manager Steve Alfred. As we can see, the reservoir has overflowed
the banks of this dam and has washed out this section of Old Usquepaugh
Road. This is a very typical photograph of the sort of road damage we
are going to see from the flooding in Rhode Island. When we have water
like that flowing as white water over a road, one can imagine what
damage it does to the road. Our infrastructure requirements to rebuild
from this are going to be very considerable.
At the height of the rains, Providence Street, a main road in west
Warwick, a small, largely working class, great Rhode Island town which
was probably, per capita, hardest hit of any of the towns, its main
street looked more like a river than a road. This picture shows local
emergency workers out rescuing people who had been flooded into their
homes and apartments, driving them through the street with a boat and a
jet ski. It is not often that one sees local emergency workers driving
down the streets of Rhode Island towns on boats and jet skis, but that
is what it took to get the residents out who had been trapped by the
unprecedented floodwaters.
The day after the rain subsided, the flooding was still substantial.
This is the scene behind a local mechanic's shop on Elmwood Avenue in
Cranston. As we can see, the garage building is almost entirely
underwater. Nearby I was able to see cars and trailers for this
mechanic's shop just under the surface. Later on when the water came
down, I could see that under this were cars. The water is right over
the roof of the cars and so they are not visible now, but what I
thought was an empty parking lot was filled with cars. I went back and
saw it later when the waters had gone down.
Here is a different shot of Elmwood Avenue, looking across to an old
mill complex filled up through the ground

[[Page 5286]]

floor. The floodwaters are not only covering the road itself but the
entire parking lot and into the mill building itself. The local
residents obviously were distraught by this kind of damage. The bridge
that is down below this, the Wellington Avenue bridge, thankfully, held
against the pressure of the water rushing past and over it. But two
other bridges in Coventry and North Providence were so damaged by the
flow of the water past and over them, they have been condemned and have
to be completely rebuilt.
I went up to Cumberland to visit Mayor Dan McKee and to see some of
the damage there. His first responders took us in this boat out to Hope
Global, which is a company on the banks of the river. It is the
Blackstone River this time, not the Pawtuxet. This river was the cradle
of the Industrial Revolution. The famous Slater Mill in Rhode Island, a
true spark that lit off America's Industrial Revolution, was a
riverside mill that used the rivers for power. Historically, Rhode
Island's working waterfront has been a riverfront where mills up and
down the Blackstone, up and down the Pawtuxet, up and down other rivers
took advantage of water power. Then, as we moved from water power to
electric power, they stayed. But they stayed very vulnerable to the
rivers. So from Hope Global down to Ashaway Line and Twine
Manufacturing Company and Bradford Printing and Finishing, down near
Westerly, the riverside businesses in Rhode Island were swamped and
flooded.
Now businesses that had existed for generations, that employed many
hundreds in each plant, lie submerged and silent and out of work.
One of the things that impressed me during the course of my visit was
the resilience and courage shown by Rhode Islanders. We took this
picture at the Okonite Company. It was also covered by the floodwaters,
but it was nice to see both the American and the Rhode Island flags
flying high, notwithstanding the devastation that surrounded them. This
struck me as a fitting example of the perseverance and resilience of
Rhode Islanders responding to this crisis. It is often true that trying
times bring out the best in people. Certainly this flood brought out
the best in many folks in Rhode Island.
Everywhere I have traveled in the days since the floods began, I have
seen neighbors helping neighbors, and I have witnessed the
extraordinary diligence and courage of the municipal workers, the first
responders, the police and fire folks, public works, literally all
municipal employees who worked long hours, wet hours, cold hours, tired
hours helping their communities.
A couple in Westerly had to evacuate their home in 30 minutes as the
floodwaters picked their house up off its foundation. Amazingly, after
all they had been through, they were still more concerned for their
neighbors than for themselves. They wrote to me:

. . . as tough as things are for now, we see so many of our
neighbors that had no insurance and they lost everything.
Many of the people who were renting apartments were given
five minutes to evacuate. As we were leaving, we took all of
the food from our fridge and were able to distribute it to
some of the folks running for cover. Life seems to throw lots
of curveballs and you never anticipate when you get up in the
morning that you will be homeless by the afternoon but Mother
Nature has a mind much her own.

I want to point out that the word on the Rhode Island State flag is
``hope.'' As I look at this picture and see the flag flying high amidst
the devastation from the flood below, I am reminded of countless acts
of kindness and generosity, indeed hope, which have accompanied the
troubling, sad, and difficult events of recent weeks. The flooding has
destroyed homes, closed businesses, and ended jobs, but the people of
Rhode Island have stood up remarkably well. Spirits are strong. But the
job of rebuilding roads, bridges, sewage treatment plants, public
facilities, homes, and businesses is a colossal and daunting task for a
State 27 months into severe recession.
Now we in Rhode Island need help from the Federal Government to
fulfill that hope and to help us rebuild. Just as Congress was quick to
respond in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and following the
flooding in Iowa and North Dakota in 2008 and 2009, I ask my colleagues
to work with my senior Senator, Jack Reed, and I to bring needed
assistance to Rhode Island as quickly as possible.
I yield the floor.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Arizona.
Mr. KYL. Madam President, may I be advised when I have spoken for 7
minutes.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Yes.

____________________

JUDICIAL CONFIRMATION PROCESS

Mr. KYL. Madam President, I rise to talk about the judicial
confirmation process, given the fact that President Obama will soon be
nominating someone for the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice
Stevens. There has been a lot written about this subject. It would be
useful, at least from my standpoint, to clarify or elucidate how I view
this and how I think a lot of my colleagues do on both sides of the
aisle.
The question of a filibuster arises. The best way to put into context
what folks mean when they talk about judicial activism as potentially
bringing about a filibuster is to at least describe what I think about
that. All of us in the Senate, whether we have supported a filibuster
or not, would agree that all else being equal, it is not something we
should do for judicial nominations, especially for a Supreme Court
nomination. There has not been a successful filibuster of a Supreme
Court nomination, thankfully, despite the fact that the last two
nominees--especially the last nominee to the Court by President Bush,
there was an attempt to filibuster, and even then-Senator Obama, now
President Obama, participated in that attempt.
What would cause Senators to not just vote against a nominee but
actually go so far as to try to prevent the nominee from receiving a
vote up or down?
There is this concept of extraordinary circumstance that evolved
about 4 years ago when the so-called Gang of 14, seven Republicans and
seven Democrats, agreed that it would not be appropriate to filibuster
a judicial nominee except in extraordinary circumstances. That is where
that phrase ``extraordinary circumstance'' came about.
There are a lot of Members of the Senate who believe one of those
extraordinary circumstances could be a situation where a nominee is
particularly activist in the sense that it would appear that he or she
goes on to the bench with preconceived notions about specific kinds of
societal issues or questions that may come before the Court and a bias
toward resolving those matters one way or the other, as opposed to
simply taking the facts of each case and reading the law to see what
the precedents of the Court are, what the statute is, if there is a law
involved, and deciding the case on the merits of that specific case
irrespective of the judge's views about the question from a political
or philosophical standpoint.
There are a couple of recent examples I wanted to bring to the
attention of my colleagues which illustrate the kind of activism to
which I and some of my colleagues would object.
The chairman of the Judiciary Committee, the Senator from Vermont,
was quoted in Politico today as making a statement which I think
illustrates the issue well. Senator Leahy is quoted as saying this,
that he thinks one of the questions to the potential nominees is going
to be this: ``Do you share our concern about the fact that the court
always seems to side with the big corporate interests against the
average American?''
Aside from the fact that I think that is not a fact, that the Court
always sides with big corporate interests against the average
American--that is, obviously, a very politically charged statement--the
question is, Is it really appropriate to ask a potential judicial
nominee whether that nominee is going to side with big corporate
interests or whether the nominee would want to side with some other
kind of interest in the litigation? Well, I think it is appropriate to
ask whether the nominee has

[[Page 5287]]

biases one way or the other that would preclude him or her from
deciding a specific case on the merits of that case as opposed to
whether, from a general philosophical standpoint, that nominee would be
on the side of big corporate interests or always against the big
corporate interests.
When Chief Justice Roberts was before our committee, he was asked a
question like this, a question about whether he thinks it would be
appropriate to rule for the big guy or the little guy, and I think he
said it correctly. He said: If the law supports the big guy, then the
big guy should win the case. If the law supports the little guy, then
the little guy should win the case. You do not go on the bench with an
idea that: I am always going to rule against the big guy or--commenting
on Senator Leahy's statement here--I am going to rule against big
corporate interests. That presents a dilemma, by the way, where you
have corporation A suing corporation B. I do not know how you are going
to resolve that if you are always going to rule against big corporate
interests.
But the point is, to go on the bench with that attitude would be
wrong. The big corporation might have the right law and facts in a
particular case. In another case, the person suing or being sued by the
big corporate interest might have the law and the facts on their side.
That should be the determination of how the case comes out, not your
preconceived notions--for example, your intention to always rule
against ``big corporate interests.''
Here is another example: One of my colleagues on the Judiciary
Committee on a television program said he wanted to see a nominee who
would be hard on Executive power. We have three branches of government:
the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. The Constitution sets
up a delicate balance among those three branches of government, and
there is a constant tension between the powers exerted by the branches
and against the branches. Those tensions result in litigation
sometimes.
Sometimes there is a claim that the Executive is taking too much
power unto himself. That charge was made against virtually every
President who, in my memory, has ever served. It certainly is being
made against the President today. But you do not go on the bench with
the notion that: If a case ever comes before me involving a contest of
whether the Executive has the power to do something versus the
legislature, for example, I am going to rule against the Executive, I
am going to be hard on Executive power. That would be wrong. You do not
even know what the facts of the case are and what the precedents might
be relating to those particular facts.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator has used 7 minutes.
Mr. KYL. Thank you, Madam President. I appreciate it.
I will conclude with this particular example: You want a judge who is
going to be on the Court to say: I understand the balance of power. I
have read the law, and I understand the precedents that relate to this
particular kind of fact pattern. And based on the law and based on
these facts in this particular case, I believe that either the
Executive should have the power or not. But I do not come to that
conclusion based upon a preconceived political, ideological notion that
we need to rein in Executive power any more than I believe we should
rein in legislative power or judicial power.
This is what a lot of us mean when we talk about judicial activism.
It is the difference between someone who comes to the Court with firmly
held philosophical beliefs that would cause that individual to be more
predisposed to rule on the basis of those beliefs than on the facts of
the case or the law in any particular situation. So when my colleagues
on the Democratic side say they are looking for a nominee who will have
a penchant for ruling in a particular way in particular cases, you will
see objections from people like me who will say: No, that is wrong.
That is activism. That is basing decisions on ideology rather than on
what the law is.
I will conclude by saying this: The President has it fully within his
power to nominate a candidate for Supreme Court Justice who generally
has been seen as deciding cases based on their merits rather than from
an ideological perspective. But to the extent the President chooses
someone who has been very active politically and has expressed strong
political views or who from the bench has seemingly made decisions
based upon a preconceived ideological notion rather than on the basis
of the facts and law to come before him or her, in that situation,
then, you would tempt opposition and potentially even a filibuster
depending upon how serious the situation was or how extraordinary it
was, to cite the particular phrase.
So I hope that sort of sets the groundwork here for our evaluation of
the President's nominee and for a public understanding of the
circumstances under which some of us would oppose a nominee and under
which perhaps even, in an extraordinary situation, a filibuster would
result. I certainly hope that is not the case, that that does not
happen.
I am sure the President realizes that if he nominates someone who
does come clearly to the attention of the Senate from a perspective of
evenhanded justice, that nominee will be treated fairly, that the
process could move much more quickly, and that the outcome can be much
more favorable.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Texas.

____________________

NASA

Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, this week President Obama is scheduled
to visit the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Many Americans expect the
President to explain his vision for human space flight in the decades
ahead. I would say this vision is long overdue.
One year after celebrating its 50th anniversary, as well as the 40th
anniversary of the first Moon landing, the White House has proposed a
budget that will force NASA to abandon its historic role in space
exploration. The administration has stated its intention to terminate
NASA's Constellation Program, our Nation's flagship endeavor to return
Americans to the Moon and beyond. After $9 billion invested over 7
years, the President would leave NASA adrift and without a mission. I
hope the President will announce that he has thought better of that
initial decision, and this morning I would like to take a few minutes
to explain why I think he should do so.
Texas is proud of our close connection with NASA's human space flight
program, and we recognize how it has helped transform the greater
Houston area into a high-tech leader. Johnson Space Center has helped
send astronauts into space for nearly four decades. We would love for
the President to visit the Johnson Space Center and see how we have
helped our astronauts complete their missions and return home safely.
We remember the region endured several years of challenges following
the termination of the Apollo Program in 1974. We saw some of the
brightest minds at the Johnson Space Center end their careers. The
future of the entire industry seemed uncertain.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden was recently quoted as saying:

With all due respect to everybody who opposes the budget--

In other words, the cut of the Constellation Program--

a very serious and real concern is the jobs.

Now, he was correct in one way: the cancellation of Constellation,
combined with the retirement of the space shuttle, could cost the
region as many as 7,000 direct jobs, according to the Bay Area Houston
Economic Partnership. With all due respect to General Bolden, Texas
support for human space flight is not merely based on parochial
concerns. We understand the local economic impact would be nothing
compared to the strategic opportunity cost for the United States of
America.
For one thing, the end of the Constellation Program will increase our
dependence on Russia to transport Americans to the International Space
Station--a space station built with billions of American taxpayer
dollars. Earlier this month, NASA signed a $335 million contract with
Russia that will

[[Page 5288]]

cost our country nearly $56 million per seat on Russian spacecraft--or
about $8 million more per seat than what NASA paid in 2007. So we are
literally having to depend on Russia to transport American astronauts
to the International Space Station. Many Americans are already
concerned about this arrangement. Many Americans suspect the Russians
will raise the price once the shuttle program is ended because we will
be completely dependent on them to transport our astronauts. Indeed,
the head of the Russian space agency recently stated his eagerness to
renegotiate costs to access the International Space Station following
the retirement of the space shuttle.
Soon, Russia will not be the only nation to surpass the United States
in human space flight. The governments of China and India have also
accelerated their investments. All of these nations are investing in
human space flight not only because they want their flags to be the
first on Mars but also because they know those investments will
generate a good return.
Innovations that will help humans survive and thrive in space will
likely create as many spinoff technologies in the 21st century as we
saw in the first decades of the space age. If we do not incubate these
life-supporting technologies here in America, our children will have no
choice but to import them from other countries. Apollo 13 astronaut Jim
Lovell put it this way. He said the end of the Constellation Program
``will have catastrophic consequences on our ability to explore space
and the spin-offs we get from space technology.'' He said: ``They
haven't thought through''--talking about the administration's proposed
cut in the Constellation Program--``the consequences.'' I think that is
correct.
The White House has said it believes the private sector can play a
larger role in space exploration, and I would say they are right--to a
point. We certainly want to encourage private investment and public-
private partnerships in the development of space technologies. We want
to help NASA become an even better partner with aerospace
entrepreneurs. Leveraging the potential of the private sector is no
less an imperative in space exploration than it is in other fields of
innovation. But NASA cannot pass the baton of human space flight to a
runner who is still trying on its shoes. The private sector requires
years of further development before it can send a human being to the
Moon or compete with America's international rivals.
The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel--a group of independent experts
created by Congress--reported in January that:

No manufacturer of Commercial Orbital Transportation
Services is currently qualified for human-rating
requirements, despite some claims and beliefs to the
contrary.

The panel has warned:

To abandon the [Constellation program] for an alternative
without demonstrated capability or proven superiority is
unwise and probably not cost effective.

NASA was assigned the constellation mission for the same reason it
took on Apollo: It remains the only entity in our country capable of
getting the job done.
So what should President Obama say when he visits the Kennedy Space
Center this week? I would like to offer just a few thoughts.
First, I hope President Obama would recognize the tremendous
uncertainty his administration has created by proposing to end the
Constellation Program without identifying a viable alternative.
Second, he should make clear that Congress has the last word on the
Constellation Program--which we do--and that NASA will follow the
current law during this fiscal year and every year Congress continues
to fund the program.
Third, I hope he would articulate a clear vision for the future of
human space flight in our country, and that vision would include a
clear exploration mission, a timeline, goals, and a destination. And I
hope his vision would include a new commitment to the Constellation
Program, which remains America's best bet to ensure America's continued
leadership in human space exploration.
Fourth, I hope he would make a budget request that will fund this
vision and that it will carefully be aligned with this exploration
plan.
Just yesterday, a number of American heroes made clear what a vision
for American space flight should look like. More than two dozen former
astronauts and flight directors, as well as a former NASA
Administrator, wrote an open letter to the President. They wrote, in
part:

America's greatness lies in her people: she will always
have men and women willing to ride rockets into the heavens.
America's challenge is to match their bravery and
acceptance of risk with specific plans and goals worthy of
their commitment.
NASA must continue [to be] at the frontiers of human space
exploration in order to develop the technology and set the
standards of excellence that will enable commercial space
ventures to eventually succeed.

I hope President Obama listens to those words. I hope the President
listens to Congress, which has given broad bipartisan support to the
Constellation Program over many years. And I hope he listens to the
millions of Americans who understand that human space flight represents
our Nation's future, not merely its past.
Madam President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Udall of New Mexico). The Senator from
Texas.
Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, President Obama is going to travel to
Florida where many expect him to discuss the adverse reaction to his
proposed budget for NASA and possible alternative options for the
future of America's manned space exploration capability. I know members
of the NASA family and everyone living in communities that directly
support the space program--from Maryland to Utah to Florida to Alabama
to Louisiana and Texas--are, at the very least, uncertain about the
President's budget proposal and how it would affect America's
leadership role in space exploration. I share those concerns. Every
American should share those concerns, because it will determine our
role in science, space, research, exploration, and so much that will
determine our future economically and in security.
I hope the President has heard the concerns that have been raised
since the budget was proposed and that he will take the opportunity to
meet with the individuals who have worked hard to keep America in the
forefront of space exploration for the last four decades. I also hope
the President will recognize that he has an opportunity to reach out on
a truly bipartisan basis for a new plan for NASA's future that
prioritizes scientific research, protects our $100 billion investment
in the International Space Station, and ensures that America retains
independent human space flight capability.
Last month, I introduced legislation that would provide such a
framework. Identical companion legislation has been introduced in the
House of Representations by Suzanne Kosmas, a Democrat from Florida,
Bill Posey, a Republican from Florida, and others. This can be a
starting point for bridging the differences between the President's
proposal and the views of many in Congress. We may miss this
opportunity to work together to build on America's legacy of space
leadership unless the administration looks at its current approach and
makes some alterations.
The budget proposal put forward by the administration has created an
unnecessary choice between the President's plans for increased research
and development and the necessary transition to the next generation of
technology on the one hand and maintaining a viable space station and
an American human space flight capability over the next few years on
the other. We can do both.
Let me be clear why I believe the President should make his visit to
Florida the beginning of a renewed discussion on the country's civil
space program. I believe the President's advisers, in reaching for a
bold new direction for NASA, failed to take into account some very
important realities of our space program. The decision made in 2004 to
discontinue the shuttle program at the end of 2010 was based on an
International Space Station service

[[Page 5289]]

end date of 2015. Two years ago this Congress, in an overwhelming
bipartisan vote, enacted the NASA authorization bill of 2008, which
stated that the space station should be kept in service until at least
the year 2020. In the bill, we also required NASA to ensure that the
capability to continue shuttle flights in support of the space station
should be preserved for a period of time to give the new administration
a chance to consider its plan for NASA.
The Obama administration ordered a full review of U.S. human space
flight plans as part of its 2010 budget request and eventually deferred
a final proposal until the 2011 budget request. One of the important
points made by the review committee, chaired by the eminently qualified
Norman Augustine, was that the space station should be extended until
2020, which is what Congress has already said is the policy of our
country. The President's proposal accepts the recommendation which is
consistent with the 2008 bill and which I believe is vital to making
full use of the scientific research capacity that is only just now
being made available with the completion of the space station assembly.
However, I remind my colleagues that the space station was designed and
built with the idea that the shuttle would be available to keep it
supplied and maintained, and to be able to bring large replacement or
spare parts up should they be needed in order to keep the space station
functioning. The parts and equipment being flown on the last three
remaining shuttle flights were selected from over 1,400 total items
based on what would be needed for the station to be extended until
2015.
So while I commend the decision to extend the life of the station
until 2020, flying the remaining shuttles scheduled for this year
before completing an analysis of the station's needs based on a 2020
service date would surely be a mistake. We need to determine the parts
and equipment needed to extend the station's life and ensure we have
the capability to deliver them to the station. If we were to end the
shuttle program as scheduled this year, we would be dependent on the
Russian Soyuz vehicle and other possible cargo vehicles which lack the
capability that the shuttle provides. Now let me remind all of those
who are interested in the cost that using the Soyuz costs over $50
million per person. Probably a minimum of six per year--well, six over
a 2-year period, so at least three per year--would be about $150
million a year. This is $150 million that we could be using to extend
America's capabilities for its crewed vehicle that we have on the
drawing boards--the Constellation program. We could be putting that
money to our use rather than paying the Russians for the Soyuz, for
using their vehicle. The President's proposal fails to recognize this,
thereby endangering our ability to sustain the station until 2020. My
legislation would address this deficiency by keeping the shuttles as an
option at a reduced rate of two flights per year, but only until it can
be determined that the station has parts and equipment on hand to keep
functioning until 2020 in the absence of the shuttle's capability.
The President's proposal also relies on a still emerging commercial
space industry to develop the launch and crew-carrying capability to
replace the shuttle. I support the development of a commercial
capability, but as a supplement to a NASA capability, and with the
development--and proving out--of a cargo capability. We should take
this first step in commercial development before committing our entire
national human space flight effort to launch systems that would be
another generation beyond the cargo capabilities currently being
developed.
I remind my colleagues that much of the ``business case'' for a
commercial system is based on the assumption of a viable space station.
If the risk to station survivability presented by the President's
proposal is not addressed, the case for investment in a commercial
sector may weaken and the development of these capabilities may not
even materialize. If this happens, America would have no long-term
space flight capability and would need to rely completely on other
nations for access to space. If an accident or technical issue results
in the Russian Soyuz being unavailable for any extended period of time,
the space station would very likely have to be abandoned and deorbited
within a matter of months. Taking that level of risk is entirely
unacceptable for a nation with our history of space leadership.
A nation with our heritage of stretching beyond the possible and
reaching for the heavens deserves more. We need an approach that
ensures the sustainability of the station, facilitates the transition
to a replacement for the shuttle, and reduces the gap in our Nation's
ability to reach space. My legislation would address these issues by
allowing for the extension of shuttle if needed for station
sustainability and authorizing the accelerated development of a NASA-
owned replacement to the shuttle such as a shuttle-derived design using
existing systems and capabilities and the current contractor workforce,
which might be available in time to shorten our reliance on other
nations for access to space after the shuttle is retired. All of this
can be done while allowing for the change in NASA's long-term mission
and the increase in scientific research and technology funding
envisioned in the President's proposal. Simply moving--and this is how
we can do it within a budget that does not increase spending--we can
move the remaining shuttle flights scheduled for this year into 2011
and 2012, and adding the backup flight already prepared as a
contingency would provide enough flexibility to complete the analysis
of station needs and guarantee a cargo capability for an additional 2
years. It is possible to accomplish even this modest but critical goal
while holding the line on spending at the level in the President's
budget. That is key, that we can do this within the President's own
budget, yet extend our capabilities to have our control over the
shuttles that would provide the space station what it needs to continue
as we assess the needs to go on until 2020.
The principles necessary to bridge the gap between the President and
Members of Congress have been set forward by my legislation that has
also been introduced in the House. All that is needed to align these
principles with the President's goals and existing budget realities is
a willingness to make the effort and take the same risks that have been
hallmarks of our Nation's commitment to space exploration. The
bipartisan foundation is there to make a cooperative effort.
I stand ready to work with the President to bridge the differences
between his budget proposal and the views of many in our Nation and
many in Congress that the proposal places too much faith in unproven
private sector alternatives to a NASA-managed replacement for the space
shuttle and does not address the critical need to ensure the full and
complete utilization and return on the investment in the International
Space Station. For the sake of our Nation's space program and future
generations of space pioneers, I hope when the President returns from
his trip to Florida, he will accept my invitation to work together on a
comprehensive space flight proposal that is worthy of our Nation and
one that I think all of us who have worked on this issue for years--I
am the ranking member of the Commerce Committee and I have been the
chairman of the Space Subcommittee. I know we can do this. Senator
Nelson of Florida, Senator LeMieux of Florida know this issue so well.
We can do this if the President will work with us to come forward with
a plan that is budget responsible and has the capability to extend our
shuttles and make sure we utilize the investment we have already made
in the space station.
Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Hampshire.
Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to proceed as in
morning business for 15 minutes.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

____________________

FINANCIAL REFORM

Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise to speak a little bit about one of
the

[[Page 5290]]

major issues which we are about to take up here in the Senate and which
has been discussed at considerable length throughout this country, and
especially here in Washington, over the past 2 years as we have dealt
with the financial crisis, and that is the issue of fiscal reform and
financial reform.
The country went through a traumatic experience of inordinate
proportions.
We were on the verge in the fall of 2008 of having our entire
financial industry implode, and not only the big financial systems in
New York City and around the country, but Main Street America was
clearly at risk and had the potential to suffer massive damage.
That cataclysmic event didn't occur because we as a Congress and the
administrations of President Bush and of President Obama took some very
bold and aggressive action in the way of coming in and stabilizing the
financial industry of this country. As a result, we did not have the
type of events that were predicted.
Some had said if the financial institutions had been allowed to
unravel, we would have been into another Depression-like period. One
former Secretary of the Treasury projected that unemployment could have
gone as high as 25 percent. Obviously, we have been through a difficult
time. The recession has caused great harm. Americans have been under
tremendous financial stress. But the damage that might have occurred
has been muted to some degree by the actions we took. Now we are at
least getting the TARP money back with interest from the banking
industry. We are not getting it back from the automobile industry or
AIG, but from the banking industry we are getting it back with
interest, and we are going to actually make money for the American
taxpayer, the stockholders in these various entities we had to support.
The question remains, how do we avoid this type of event occurring
again. That involves a lot of different actions that should be taken,
because the causes of this event were multiple. One of the causes was
clearly that the Federal Reserve kept interest rates too low for too
long and made money too readily available. Another cause was the
Congress's own decision throughout the 1990s and the early part of this
decade to basically promote--and in some instances force--lending for
the purpose of buying homes, when the people buying the homes didn't
have the wherewithal to support the obligation they were undertaking.
The homes in many instances didn't have the value at which they were
assessed. There was an assumption of appreciation that would occur that
never occurred.
A third cause was plain, old-fashioned, horrible, and sometimes
illegal underwriting, where people were essentially putting out loans
in a totally inappropriate manner. Then those loans were being
securitized. I have described it as an inverted pyramid, where possibly
the person who was giving the loan was just interested in the servicing
fees of making the loan, in the origination fees of making the loan,
not in the actual obligations of the loan, and then the loan ending up
being securitized out in the market. You had all sorts of counterparty
liability and multiple structure built on top of this one loan that
basically didn't have either the asset value or the capacity of the
individual to pay it back. That was the systemic event that was a
function of bad underwriting.
So what can we do to correct this? Well, one thing we can do,
obviously, is reform our financial structure in this country. It
clearly wasn't up to the regulatory needs that were necessary, and
there was clearly a lot of activity occurring in the financial markets
that was wrong and inappropriate. There is this huge discussion going
on now, bills have made their way through the House, and there has been
a proposal from the administration--in outline form at least--and there
is one from Senator Dodd and specifics that have been brought forward
in the Banking Committee. There is going to be a major attempt to
reorganize our financial institutions.
I think that as we go down this path we have to be thoughtful and
constructive. There is this fervor of populism sweeping across our
Nation on this issue. The fires have been fanned by the White House and
a lot of other people in a very inappropriate way. Populism isn't a
good way to try to address something as complex as this type of issue.
It is sort of like a beach ball bouncing down the beach that is caught
up in the wind. That is the way this financial reform effort seems to
be going forward. There is not a lot of thought behind it--just a lot
of energy and talk, with ideas that may be politically attractive but
in the end will probably do more harm than good.
Our goal should be three things: One, we should reform the systems.
We need to put into place, to the fullest extent we can, changes in the
way we regulate the financial structure so we avoid a future systemic
event. It is pretty hard to project what the next systemic event will
be, but we know what the last one was and we should be able to correct
those problems. We can anticipate to some degree what the next events
may be, and we should try to do that.
Second, we should recognize that we are in a competitive world, and
that what we do in the United States to structure our financial system
is going to determine whether the United States remains competitive
with other nations that have sophisticated financial systems. It is
very important that in doing this we not push offshore American jobs
and American capital, because it becomes too onerous to manage capital
and create jobs in the United States in the financial sector. We, in
fact, should have as one of our goals--the first goal being addressing
the system's risk--the desire to make America the best place in the
world and the soundest place in the world to create capital and credit,
so that the engine that drives our economy--remember, our economy is
driven not by the government. I know the President says the more you
grow government, the more prosperity you get, and he is certainly
trying to prove it, but that is not what drives our economy. What
drives our economy is entrepreneurs, people willing to take risks, the
initiatives by Americans to create jobs. You cannot do that unless you
have credit, and you cannot do it unless you can get capital.
One of the great geniuses of our system, which has made us more
competitive than the rest of the world, is that we have always been a
place where capital and credit have been readily available to
responsible people and risk-takers. We need to keep that atmosphere.
When we are finished with this process, we should have a regulatory
regime that addresses the issue of systemic risk and at the same time
says to the world: bring your capital here; this is the best place to
make a loan and underwrite entrepreneurial spirit.
Third--and this is tied to the second--we need to remember this is
about Main Street, about making sure that on Main Street in America
people have the wherewithal to take that risk, and to get that job, and
to buy that house, but that they have it in a context of a sound
banking system, one that is a supportive and strong one, and a sound
financial system--not one that has been forced to retract as a result
of excessive regulations being put on it here in Washington.
If we approach this in a thoughtful way, a pragmatic and constructive
way, rather than this populist fervor, where we say everybody on Wall
Street is evil, and everybody in banking is evil, and everybody who
makes loans is evil--which seems to be the philosophy or theme around
here--if we take a more constructive and thoughtful way, we will
actually end up with a much stronger and better nation. Often these
periods of populist fervor--and we have had a lot of them--Huey Long,
William Jennings Bryan--the list is long. Those folks usually end up
cutting off their nose to spite their face. These ideas sound good and
have a nice jingoistic ring to them, but in the end it undermines the
ability to do the basic purpose, which is to make America more
prosperous and create more opportunity for Americans and create more
jobs.
This is not an issue that needs to be partisan. We have a lot of big,
complex

[[Page 5291]]

questions here to address. With the exception of one, as far as I can
tell, none of them has any partisan flavor to them of any significance.
First, of course, is what do you do about ``too big to fail.'' First,
it should not exist. There should be no business in this country that
is too big to fail. Basically, any company, any business that makes bad
decisions should not have some implied guarantee that it is going to be
bailed out by the Federal Government or the American taxpayer. If you
make a bad decision and put your financial house at risk, your
stockholders should pay the price; your secured bondholders should pay
the price, not the American taxpayers. I think there is agreement on
that.
On our side of the aisle we have some good ideas on how you end ``too
big to fail.'' As a practical matter, they are better ideas than have
been put out by anybody else so far. But they are not partisan ideas.
They are just good, sound policies as to how you accomplish this. It
could be done. The best ideas have been put forward in a bipartisan
way, by Senator Warner from Virginia and Senator Corker from Tennessee.
That is the first issue. We should be able to reach a comprehensive
agreement on that.
Second, of course, is how do you manage risk and structure our
regulatory regime so they can see that risk coming and take action. I
think there is consensus on both sides of the aisle. Basically, you set
up some sort of risk council, where you bring key regulators in and
make sure there is communication, you try to end the stovepipes, and
you try to cross-fertilize the information, and you don't allow
arbitraging regulators so people don't go out and hire the cheapest or
weakest regulator. There is not much difference of opinion on that. We
can reach agreement on that.
Third, of course--which is huge here--is the question of derivatives,
which are very complex. There is no simple answer to this question, on
this issue, when you look at the detailed language. What is the purpose
of derivatives? It is to basically give the market liquidity, to make
sure you have the ability to put out the credit, to make sure that when
some business in America needs to protect itself from a downside risk
it sees coming at it, it has the capacity to buy that type of
protection in the market, that type of insurance. They are extremely
important instruments for the purpose of basically being the insurance
and the oil that makes the American machinery of entrepreneurship and
job creation work. Big companies and smaller companies need them, but
especially big companies need these instruments. They need to have them
readily available in a way and in a form that makes them usable.
I have been working with Senator Reed from Rhode Island for a number
of months on almost all the technical issues of how to make the
derivatives market stronger, better, and more sound, basically get more
liquidity and transparency. On almost all issues we have a pretty good
agreement and sense of where we can go. If we continue to work on it,
hopefully, we can reach a complete agreement. We do have an issue on
the question of mandated exchange treatment of derivatives, which I
think can be resolved--I hope. It is not a partisan question. It is a
question of how you do it best. That is the approach we should take.
Last is the issue of regulatory structure. Who should regulate what?
That is a question of how best you line up the regulators to make sure
there isn't regulatory arbitrage where people try to shop for the best
regulator. I strongly believe the Fed needs to be a major player in the
regulatory structure. The Fed has shown itself to have the depth and
professionalism and the resources to regulate effectively. I hope we
would end up with a structure that would recognize that fact. I think
there is general agreement on structure that can be reached here.
Again, I think we can reach an understanding.
The issue where we have significant differences is consumer
protection and how you deal with that. On our side, most of the folks
strongly believe you cannot separate consumer protection from safety
and soundness. The regulators who have the responsibility for safety
and soundness should have the responsibility for consumer protection,
and it should be at the same level so there is no question that the
consumer receives the same type of attention and support that the
regulators put into trying to make sure the banks the consumers get
their loans from are safe and sound. When you separate the two and set
up a freestanding, autonomous consumer agency, you create significant
issues on safety and soundness. The purpose is to make our financial
system stronger, not weaker. A separate independent consumer agency
with potentially a political agenda or social justice agenda, which has
nothing to do with safety or soundness, could easily undermine safety
and soundness of the banking industry, especially the community banks--
remember, these are the folks on Main Street--essentially creating an
atmosphere where loans have to be made to people not based on safety
and soundness but based on a social or political agenda of whoever runs
the consumer agency that is independent and autonomous. It makes no
sense. But, again, this is an issue that can be resolved.
There have been good ideas put forward by Senator Shelby. At one
time, we almost had an understanding between Senator Shelby and Senator
Reid on this issue. So this is no reason, in my opinion, to stop the
progress on getting a bipartisan, comprehensive bill. The only thing
that stands between us getting a bipartisan, comprehensive bill,
stopping that progress, is this political issue; the fact that the
administration has two paths it can take. It can take the path where we
reach a comprehensive, thoughtful, constructive bill that basically
does what we need to do in the area of protecting the financial
structure of this country from systemic risk and make sure we have the
most competitive financial markets in the world and protect Main Street
and make Main Street viable, allow people to get loans on Main Street,
it can pursue a bill such as that or it can pursue a political bill,
carrying the banner of populism forward on the theory that somehow they
win points by doing that.
They may win short-term political points. I don't think they do,
actually. But in the long term, the effect that will have on our
capacity to produce credit in this country for Americans who need
credit in order to do things such as buy houses, send their kids to
colleges, or basically just start a business and create jobs, it will
be dramatically chilling, to be kind.
We will see a lot of the institutions which compete in this Nation
having to go overseas. We will see a lot of companies that need to use
derivatives in order to make their products salable and make sure they
are not hit with unexpected cost increases or events which are out of
their control unable to buy those instruments or obtain those
instruments in the United States, so they will have to go overseas. We
will see credit markets where consumers will end up paying higher
interest rates because they are basically paying for people who are not
paying back their loans at a much higher rate, so the good performers
end up paying for the bad performers, which inevitably ends up costing
the good performers much more in the way of their credit.
These are the results of a populist tact, and they are not good
results, in my opinion. They are not constructive. They are so
unnecessary because we really have within our grasp the capacity to
reach an agreement, pretty much across the board, on all the major
issues that affect the question of financial stability and to try to
address what happened in late 2008 in a constructive way.
I am hopeful that will be the course that is taken, that we do have a
consensus approach rather than a confrontational approach, and that we
do have an approach which understands that our first obligation is not
to get votes, not to win a political fight, not to have a jingoistic
saying that resonates at election time but, rather, to make America
stronger, more economically sound, more vibrant, and a place where when
one wants to create a job, one has the capacity to get the

[[Page 5292]]

credit to do it. That should be our goal. I hope we will pursue this
regulatory reform effort in that manner.
Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

____________________

MINING TRAGEDY IN WEST VIRGINIA

Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, as the Presiding Officer would well
understand from his own experience, West Virginia is mourning the loss
of 29 brave miners who died last week--most of whom never knew what hit
them--when a devastating explosion tore through the Upper Big Branch
Mine in Montcoal, WV. It has brought the whole State to a dead halt.
Even though it may never be possible to fully grasp the magnitude of
this tragedy or to ease the pain of this devastating loss, we in West
Virginia believe strongly in the power of prayer and in the grace of
God. That has been important this week and will be in the weeks to
come. We hold onto it--that feeling--and we offer it to one another and
to the families, friends, and fellow miners who are grieving.
We revere our miners--the men and women who put their lives on the
line every single day to provide for their families and bring light and
heat to millions. They live in obscurity. They work underground. Nobody
knows much about it around the rest of the country, but it is heroic
living, and they make this country work.
We offer a heartfelt thanks to the rescue workers who risked their
own lives. Our rescue teams, and the entire West Virginia community,
never gave up hope and continued to forge ahead in their mission. They
know and understand when they volunteer for this dangerous work that at
some point in time they will be called upon to put their own lives on
the line in the mine. That is what a rescue worker is all about--
pushing the edges. How much methane is there, how far can you get in,
how much dust is there, what can you see, does he or she have enough
oxygen? They did so selflessly and fearlessly, and they have, as you
can imagine, my deepest respect.
Even in one of our darkest hours, America has seen the very best of
West Virginia--binding together, drawing solace from each other with
tears and with mutual love. This is who we are. This is Appalachia. It
is the sense of oneness, always against so many odds. The odds are
always stacked against us. Maybe that is why I am so proud to represent
them--always fighting uphill, others not knowing much about you, not
necessarily paying a lot of attention to you but strong, good people.
So it is this sense of oneness that sets us apart, in my mind, and why
I am so proud to be a West Virginian.
We are all too familiar with this agony. I know the Presiding Officer
is. We have been here before--with Sago, with Aracoma. When our worst
fears are realized, as they were in this terrible tragedy, we know we
must find a way through the searing pain and the loss because that is
the way it is in our Appalachia--central Appalachia.
Everybody understands that mining has always been risky, but it can
be made safer by people who want to make it safer. That will often
start with the person who is in charge of the company. Safety is about
a company doing the right thing. Safety is also about the State and
Federal Government stepping in and toughening up our laws where that
needs to be done. It is about providing the resources and the people to
enforce those laws.
Let me give an example. Currently, the Federal Mine Safety and Health
Review Commission has 14 administrative law judges. If this year's
budget request is enacted, they will have 18. They will go from 14 to
18. Those 18--and right now those 14--administrative law judges,
together, face a backlog of more than 16,000 cases, containing 82,000
violations. That is incomprehensible to me. It is ridiculous, but it is
true and it is unacceptable.
In the aftermath of Sago, I was proud to coauthor the MINER Act,
along with Senator Byrd, Senator Kennedy, and Senator Mike Enzi from
Wyoming. This was, in fact, the only significant Federal mine
legislation since 1977, which meant that we had gone 30 years without
passing significant mine safety legislation. That doesn't tell the
whole story, but it certainly tells some part of the story.
The bill was not perfect, but it did tackle the core problems we
faced at Sago, which was a different kind of mine. It was a very rural
mine, a much smaller mine than this huge mine in Raleigh County, WV.
Because of this bill, we now require that mines have flame-resistant
lifelines to guide miners out in an emergency. If you have an
explosion. There is dust everywhere. You cannot see anything. So you
put in sort of like a handrail, and you hold on to it and you just
follow that because you cannot see where you are going. That will lead
you to the mine mouth or perhaps to an elevator, if it is still
working, that will allow you to get out.
We require refuge chambers that are now located in mines to protect
miners if they cannot evacuate. Those are safe havens that have oxygen
and food. There are stores of breathing devices along the escape
routes--part of the law now.
We have new flammability requirements for new belt equipment. I know
that is mining jargon, but I lay it before the Senate. Yet despite
these important improvements, we mourn now another disaster of a very
different kind. More lives were lost. We ask: How can this be? Again?
Everything we know at this time tells us this accident did not have
to happen. This explosion could have and should have been prevented. If
you are asked by a coal miner: Does an explosion have to happen? The
answer is, no; it is preventable. Yes, that is easy to say and hard to
do. But in the real world of serious work in mine safety, it is
preventable. Miners do not have to lose their lives.
So our responsibility now is to learn from this new and terrible
incident. We have to look at it carefully. We cannot rush to judgment.
I am going to explain a couple of things that are being done. We do not
know exactly what went wrong at Upper Big Branch mine but I promise you
we will demand answers, and we will get answers.
MSHA, which is the Mine Health and Safety Administration, will
conduct a complete investigation into this tragedy, and that will tell
us a lot. The agency's quick response and leadership after this
explosion has been, in my judgment, highly commendable.
Right now, what we do know is we need to enforce aggressively the
provisions of the MINER Act that we passed several years ago in 2006 at
all mines. Where they are needed, we must put new laws in place,
understanding that mine operations are different. Some mines try to do
the right thing, others try less hard. It is a hard job.
I am concerned that the enforcement process today moves much too
slowly, and that hurts the good operators as well as helping the bad
ones, even when the circumstances demand the most urgent response.
Today, mine safety operators can stop operations in a mine or part of
a mine whenever they see imminently dangerous violations. That is in
the eye of the beholder, of the inspector, which means they have to be
good people and well trained.
Once the operator has addressed that problem, then there is no longer
a violation and mining can continue. But these inspectors also look for
a very interesting phenomena called ``patterns of violations.'' For
that they have to look back over the last several years in a particular
mine or a particular part of a mine to find out if there has been a
pattern of violation, which, in and of itself, might not rise to the
level of imminent danger, but could indicate that the mine needs to
improve its safety.
If they find a pattern, these Federal inspectors, they should be able
to impose higher fines. If it is not corrected, they should be able to,
as they are now, shut down a mine or just part of a mine

[[Page 5293]]

where there is a particular problem. This mine where the explosion
occurred was huge. It had numerous double-digit entrances into
different parts of the mine. It was huge.
But, anyway, closing down a mine or part of a mine does not always
work that way because companies have found a loophole in this part of
the law, the part dealing with so-called ``patterns of violations.''
They just keep contesting and appealing. They appeal and they appeal
right on up to Federal court. They appeal the decisions to prevent the
finding of a pattern. That is why they do it. If you do not want
something to happen, if you do not want to pay a fine, you have been
cited for a violation, you have been cited for a fine. But if you
appeal it, if you appeal it long and keep appealing, then, if you get a
judgment against you, you go to the next court higher up, you do not
have to either pay a fine or change the way you operate.
The number of appeals has increased dramatically from just 6 percent
of total violations in 2005 to 27 percent last year. With such a
tremendous backlog of cases and limited manpower, the average appeal
took 587 days to finalize last year, which is bad for everybody. Some
operators have taken advantage of this loophole, preventing government
action and imposing a serious risk to the miners' safety.
West Virginians can rest assured that I plan to press this issue
aggressively. We are already taking steps to get to the bottom of this.
I am glad that President Obama has been involved, and he has called a
lot of folks, including miners' families. He has requested a full
report to him on what Federal investigators have learned about the
disaster, and it is going to happen this week.
Now, maybe that is too early. They may not know everything yet. But
he wants to be kept abreast of what is happening. I have asked, and
others, for a full briefing on the findings for West Virginia's
Congressional Delegation. I decided that was not selfish; I decided
that was the right thing to do. I want to know what the President
knows, and that is going to happen.
I have requested that MSHA conduct a top-to-bottom review of all mine
safety violations all across the country so that we can get a sense of
perspective of where we are in this mine and others in other States.
And I have also requested hearings and oversight investigations from
the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. They
were kind enough to allow me to sit with them during the hearings
regarding the MINER Act so that I could contribute what I know.
In closing, I wish to say our coal miners have lost too many brothers
and too many sisters. Coal mining has always been dangerous, and it is
a common story in West Virginia--southern West Virginia particularly--
which is where I first went, where there is so much coal mining that
mothers do not want their sons to go into coal mining. But there they
are living up a hollow, up a creek. No other work is available, and
they can get paid $60 to $70,000 for doing this job after some
training.
What are they meant to do? What if it is a mine which does not have
any kind of representation which allows people to tell somebody in
authority that something is not being done safely?
Well, we have mines where the operators use intimidation. If somebody
tries to do something like that, they are out of a job. There are all
kinds of ways to do that. And while we all know their journey is a
dangerous one, our coal miners must know that everything is being done
to keep them safe. That is why I am standing here, simply to say that.
We have a solemn, urgent and, I think, sacred obligation in Congress
to find the truth, do it fairly and carefully, and take action in their
honor. These men have given us all they can, and we must honor this
sacrifice.
I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. ROCKEFELLER. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the
quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

____________________

RECESS

Mr. ROCKEFELLER. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now be in
recess until 2:15 p.m. this afternoon.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Under the previous order, the Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.
Thereupon, at 12:22 p.m., the Senate recessed until 2:15 p.m. and
reassembled when called to order by the Presiding Officer (Mr. Begich).

____________________

CONCLUSION OF MORNING BUSINESS

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning business is closed.

____________________

CONTINUING EXTENSION ACT OF 2010

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will
resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 4851, which the
clerk will report by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:

Motion to proceed to the bill (H.R. 4851) to provide a
temporary extension of certain programs, and for other
purposes.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the motion to
proceed is agreed to and the Senate will proceed to the consideration
of H.R. 4851, which the clerk will report by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:

A bill (H.R. 4851) to provide a temporary extension of
certain programs, and for other purposes.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Montana.
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, we are now on the temporary extension of
unemployment insurance benefits. This bill will help millions of
Americans who are struggling to feed their families, struggling to pay
the bills.
Take, for example, a single father from Missoula, MT. He has been out
of work for weeks. He exhausted his State benefits, and he is now
receiving Federal extended benefits. He called the Montana Unemployment
Insurance Claims Processing Center, and he said if his unemployment
insurance benefits are not extended, he does not know how in the world
he is going to take care of his daughters. He continues to search for a
job. But for now, unemployment insurance benefits are the lifeline for
him and for his family.
Unemployment benefits help him to pay the bills for his daughters.
Unemployment benefits help the single dad from Missoula and also help
millions of Americans who, through no fault of their own, have fallen
victim to this Great Recession.
As we meet today, benefits have lapsed for 200,000 Americans. Another
200,000 Americans could lose their benefits, too, if we do not pass
this bill this week.
Unemployment benefits help our unemployed neighbors. In helping our
neighbors, we also help to keep open the neighborhood grocery store and
the neighborhood gas station. In helping our unemployed neighbors, we
also help to keep houses out of foreclosure. In helping our unemployed
neighbors, we also help the economy.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says that extending
additional unemployment benefits would have one of the largest effects
on economic output and unemployment per dollar spent of any option. The
CBO chart behind me tells us how effective increasing aid to the
unemployed can be.
The CBO analyzed the effectiveness of a number of job creation
proposals. For each policy, the CBO estimated the number of jobs
created for each dollar of budgetary cost. You will see on the chart
behind me, there are 11 policies the CBO analyzed. Increasing aid to
the unemployed is ranked first. It is No. 1, at the top of the chart.
You can see it with the blue line. Among all these policies, increasing
aid to the unemployed is the most effective. The Congressional Budget
Office says it will create the most jobs per dollar of budgetary cost.
It is the most efficient and creates more jobs. Other policy options
are much less cost effective.

[[Page 5294]]

CBO also says each dollar spent increasing aid to the unemployed
could increase the gross domestic product by up to $1.90. That is
almost double per dollar spent. Why is increasing aid to the unemployed
so effective? Let's ask ourselves that question. Well, households
receiving unemployment benefits spend their benefits right away. They
have to. They are spent. That spurs demand for goods, demand for
services. That boosts production, and that leads businesses to hire
more employees.
Unemployment benefits are essential to bridging the gap between
losing one job and finding another, and it has become increasingly
difficult to find that next job. In February, there were 2.7 million
job openings. In the same month, there were 15 million Americans out of
work. That means there are about five and one-half job seekers for
every job opening--over five.
It is no wonder it is hard for people who are unemployed to find
jobs. This chart behind me tells the story. Prior to the Great
Recession, there were fewer than two job seekers for every open
position. Now there are five and one-half. Let me repeat that. Prior to
the Great Recession--you can see it on this chart with the red line
over to the left--there were fewer than two job seekers for every job
that was open, every position that was open. That was back in December
2007. Now, if you look at the red line that goes to the right, there
are five and one-half.
It is important we extend unemployment benefits. We need to bridge
that gap between jobs. Getting unemployment benefits is not living high
on the hog by any stretch of the imagination. The average unemployment
benefit is $335 a week. The average cost of a loaf of bread is $2.97.
The average cost of a gallon of milk is $2.72. Diapers for just one
baby can cost up to $85 a month. These days, $335 only stretches so
far.
We need to keep our unemployed neighbors from falling into poverty.
We need to figure out how best to create new jobs for unemployed
workers. One way we could do that is to help foster job growth, and
that is by using the unemployment insurance program to create the right
conditions for job creation. In that vein, I am holding a hearing in
the Finance Committee tomorrow to explore ways to use the unemployment
insurance system to help Americans get back to work. Let's reform this
system. Let's modernize it. Let's make it work better.
States and experts have great ideas for how we can improve the
unemployment insurance system. They have ideas about how it can save
and create more jobs. For example, some States are creating new jobs
through subsidy programs. Montana has a job subsidy program and has put
hundreds of people back to work. Using funds from the Recovery Act,
this program helps employers to pay for the cost of creating new jobs.
Across the country, thousands of people are benefiting from job subsidy
programs.
But right now, it is essential we pass a temporary extension of
unemployment benefits. It is essential we help Americans put food on
the table. It is essential to pay the bills while they continue to look
for work. It is essential for people such as Jeremy from Flathead
County, MT.
Jeremy is a wildland firefighter. He is receiving unemployment
benefits for the first time in his life. Fighting wildfires is seasonal
work. Typically, Jeremy can find another job during the off-season, but
this year he has been unable to find employment. Jeremy's benefits
lapsed on February 28. That is when Congress failed to extend
unemployment benefits. Jeremy has been left hanging. It is not right to
leave Americans in this position.
So let us extend unemployment insurance benefits for Jeremy the
firefighter. Let us extend this vital lifeline for this single dad from
Missoula and for his daughters who depend on him. Let us enact this
temporary extension of unemployment insurance without delay.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise in strong support of the bill that
is currently before the Senate which would provide for a temporary
extension of unemployment benefits, COBRA coverage, and prevent a
severe cut to provider reimbursements under Medicare. The bill would
also extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which expired on
March 28 at midnight. Each of these provisions is important in its own
right, and each will help our economy to move forward.
The long-term unemployment rate is defined as the percentage of
people in the workforce who have been out of work for more than 6
months and are still looking for jobs. That rate reached 4.3 percent of
the workforce in March; that is, 4.3 percent are out of work for 6
months and cannot find employment. Our Nation's overall unemployment
rate is still at 10 percent.
Maryland's unemployment rate continues to rise, reaching 8.3 percent
in February statewide, up from 7 percent in February 2009. In 11 of our
counties, nearly one-half of the counties in Maryland, the unemployment
rate exceeds the national rate. In Baltimore City, it is 11.2 percent.
In Dorchester County, it is 12.9. In Worcester County, it is an
astonishing 18.8 percent--more than double the statewide percentage. In
these counties, the situation is urgent. We must act to help keep these
families' heads above water. Each of the thousands of families who
depend upon extended unemployment benefits needs our help. In Maryland,
it is 16,000 families. They need our help in order to be able to feed
their families, pay the rent and utilities on their homes, and to keep
their houses literally out of foreclosure.
I hear from heads of households every day who are trying to find
work, but the jobs just aren't there. In fact, the Labor Department
statistics tell us that for every job opening, there are five
individuals actively seeking employment. Those odds are not very good
for somebody who is trying to find employment today. That is why we
have the long-term unemployment and why we need to extend the benefits
to those who are in need today. We are emerging from the most severe
and prolonged economic downturn since the Great Depression.
For those of my colleagues who are insisting that the unemployment
compensation extension be paid for, I point out that for every dollar
we spend in unemployment compensation, we are generating more than
$1.50 back into our economy. In other words, this is a stimulus. This
helps job growth. When people have unemployment insurance, they spend
it immediately. It helps our retail establishments, our food stores,
and our economy. It is the definition of stimulus spending, and it is
immediate.
I also add that it is not a handout. Employment insurance is just
that--an insurance program. It is an insurance program to which
employers and employees contribute so that in difficult times such as
these, they can receive benefits. We are in these times now. That is
why we paid the unemployment insurance benefits taxes. These funds
should now be available to help the people who need it.
Equally essential are COBRA benefits, which allow people who lose
their jobs to continue health insurance coverage for themselves and
their families. I cannot tell you the number of people who are shocked
when they lose their jobs and go to pay for their COBRA and find out it
is prohibitive and they cannot afford it. They cannot afford to
continue their health insurance protection in the most critical time of
their lives. That is why Congress passed help for people during this
economic time with their COBRA protection. But that has expired. We
need to extend that so families can continue to maintain their health
insurance. The extension of COBRA benefits will allow us to get
affordable health care to those who are in the most desperate need.
I want to mention the expiration of the National Flood Insurance
Program. In my State, over 60,000 homes are covered by the National
Flood Insurance

[[Page 5295]]

Program, and half of those are on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This
program was authorized, but it expired on March 28, 2010. Since then,
no new policies have been issued, no policies have been renewed, and
there has been no increased coverage on existing policies that could be
issued. So Marylanders who wish to purchase a home in a flood plain
cannot do so during this period.
We need to act now. We literally have frozen the market, which is not
good for our economy, for our families, and it is certainly something
we need to correct. The bill before us will retroactively make up for
the past 2 weeks, but we need to act quickly in order that this
important program continues.
Finally, I wish to stress the urgency of fixing the Medicare
physician reimbursement, an area on which I have worked for many years
to try to repeal the flawed sustainable growth rate payment system that
makes no sense. As of April 1, there is a 21.2-percent across-the-board
cut in Medicare reimbursement for physicians and other providers who
are paid according to the fee schedule--physical, occupational, and
speech language therapists, nurse practitioners, and others. The
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is holding claims until
Wednesday, April 14. At that time, claims will be paid at the lower
reimbursement rate. We must stop that from happening.
Today, my office received nearly a dozen calls from constituents who
were told by their doctors that they are not accepting new Medicare
patients at this time. This is no longer a hypothetical; there is a
denial of access to care. Seniors are being made to suffer because of
obstructionism in this body of not allowing this bill to move forward
in a prompt way.
I come to the floor today to urge immediate passage of this
legislation and urge my colleagues to work together to pass a long-term
extension of these essential benefits. Ensuring that American families
are able to weather this economic storm should not be a partisan issue.
We need to work together to debate the merits of this bill and provide
the American people with the help they need and the economy with the
boost it needs while we are working on long-term recovery of our
Nation.
With that, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Gillibrand). The clerk will call the
roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Burris). Without objection, it is so
ordered.

Amendment No. 3721

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I send an amendment to the desk.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
The bill clerk read as follows:

The Senator from Montana [Mr. Baucus] proposes an amendment
numbered 3721.

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of
the amendment be dispensed with.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The amendment is as follows:

(Purpose: In the nature of a substitute)

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Continuing Extension Act of
2010''.

SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROVISIONS.

(a) In General.--(1) Section 4007 of the Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 26 U.S.C. 3304
note) is amended--
(A) by striking ``April 5, 2010'' each place it appears and
inserting ``June 2, 2010'';
(B) in the heading for subsection (b)(2), by striking
``april 5, 2010'' and inserting ``june 2, 2010''; and
(C) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``September 4, 2010''
and inserting ``November 6, 2010''.
(2) Section 2002(e) of the Assistance for Unemployed
Workers and Struggling Families Act, as contained in Public
Law 111-5 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note; 123 Stat. 438), is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``April 5, 2010'' and
inserting ``June 2, 2010'';
(B) in the heading for paragraph (2), by striking ``april
5, 2010'' and inserting ``june 2, 2010''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``October 5, 2010'' and
inserting ``December 7, 2010''.
(3) Section 2005 of the Assistance for Unemployed Workers
and Struggling Families Act, as contained in Public Law 111-5
(26 U.S.C. 3304 note; 123 Stat. 444), is amended--
(A) by striking ``April 5, 2010'' each place it appears and
inserting ``June 2, 2010''; and
(B) in subsection (c), by striking ``September 4, 2010''
and inserting ``November 6, 2010''.
(4) Section 5 of the Unemployment Compensation Extension
Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-449; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is
amended by striking ``September 4, 2010'' and inserting
``November 6, 2010''.
(b) Funding.--Section 4004(e)(1) of the Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 26 U.S.C. 3304
note) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new
subparagraph:
``(E) the amendments made by section 101(a)(1) of the
Continuing Extension Act of 2010; and''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the
Temporary Extension Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-144).

SEC. 3. EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF PREMIUM ASSISTANCE FOR
COBRA BENEFITS.

(a) Extension of Eligibility Period.--Subsection (a)(3)(A)
of section 3001 of division B of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5), as amended by
section 3(a) of the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 (Public
Law 111-144), is amended by striking ``March 31, 2010'' and
inserting ``May 31, 2010''.
(b) Rules Relating to 2010 Extension.--Subsection (a) of
section 3001 of division B of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5), as amended by
section 3(b) of the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 (Public
Law 111-144), is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(18) Rules related to april and may 2010 extension.--In
the case of an individual who, with regard to coverage
described in paragraph (10)(B), experiences a qualifying
event related to a termination of employment on or after
April 1, 2010 and prior to the date of the enactment of this
paragraph, rules similar to those in paragraphs (4)(A) and
(7)(C) shall apply with respect to all continuation coverage,
including State continuation coverage programs.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect as if included in the provisions of section
3001 of division B of the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009.

SEC. 4. INCREASE IN THE MEDICARE PHYSICIAN PAYMENT UPDATE.

Paragraph (10) of section 1848(d) of the Social Security
Act, as added by section 1011(a) of the Department of Defense
Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-118) and as amended
by section 5 of the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 (Public
Law 111-144), is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``March 31, 2010'' and
inserting ``May 31, 2010''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``April 1, 2010'' and
inserting ``June 1, 2010''.

SEC. 5. EHR CLARIFICATION.

(a) Qualification for Clinic-Based Physicians.--
(1) Medicare.--Section 1848(o)(1)(C)(ii) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(o)(1)(C)(ii)) is amended by
striking ``setting (whether inpatient or outpatient)'' and
inserting ``inpatient or emergency room setting''.
(2) Medicaid.--Section 1903(t)(3)(D) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(t)(3)(D)) is amended by striking
``setting (whether inpatient or outpatient)'' and inserting
``inpatient or emergency room setting''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall be effective as if included in the enactment of the
HITECH Act (included in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)).
(c) Implementation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may implement
the amendments made by this section by program instruction or
otherwise.

SEC. 6. EXTENSION OF USE OF 2009 POVERTY GUIDELINES.

Section 1012 of the Department of Defense Appropriations
Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-118), as amended by section 7 of
the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-144), is
amended by striking ``March 31, 2010'' and inserting ``May
31, 2010''.

SEC. 7. EXTENSION OF NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.

(a) Extension.--Section 129 of the Continuing
Appropriations Resolution, 2010 (Public Law 111-68), as
amended by section 8 of Public Law 111-144, is amended by
striking ``by substituting'' and all that follows through the
period at the end and inserting ``by substituting May 31,
2010, for the date specified in each such section.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall be considered to have taken effect on February 28,
2010.

SEC. 8. COMPENSATION AND RATIFICATION OF AUTHORITY RELATED TO
LAPSE IN HIGHWAY PROGRAMS.

(a) Compensation for Federal Employees.--Any Federal
employees furloughed as a

[[Page 5296]]

result of the lapse in expenditure authority from the Highway
Trust Fund after 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2010, through
March 2, 2010, shall be compensated for the period of that
lapse at their standard rates of compensation, as determined
under policies established by the Secretary of
Transportation.
(b) Ratification of Essential Actions.--All actions taken
by Federal employees, contractors, and grantees for the
purposes of maintaining the essential level of Government
operations, services, and activities to protect life and
property and to bring about orderly termination of Government
functions during the lapse in expenditure authority from the
Highway Trust Fund after 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2010,
through March 2, 2010, are hereby ratified and approved if
otherwise in accord with the provisions of the Continuing
Appropriations Resolution, 2010 (division B of Public Law
111-68).
(c) Funding.--Funds used by the Secretary to compensate
employees described in subsection (a) shall be derived from
funds previously authorized out of the Highway Trust Fund and
made available or limited to the Department of Transportation
by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-
117) and shall be subject to the obligation limitations
established in such Act.
(d) Expenditures From Highway Trust Fund.--To permit
expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund to effectuate the
purposes of this section, this section shall be deemed to be
a section of the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010
(division B of Public Law 111-68), as in effect on the date
of the enactment of the last amendment to such Resolution.

SEC. 9. SATELLITE TELEVISION EXTENSION.

(a) Amendments to Section 119 of Title 17, United States
Code.--
(1) In general.--Section 119 of title 17, United States
Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)(1)(E), by striking ``April 30, 2010''
and inserting ``May 31, 2010''; and
(B) in subsection (e), by striking ``April 30, 2010'' and
inserting ``May 31, 2010''.
(2) Termination of license.--Section 1003(a)(2)(A) of
Public Law 111-118 is amended by striking ``April 30, 2010'',
and inserting ``May 31, 2010''.
(b) Amendments to Communications Act of 1934.--Section
325(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 325(b))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ``April 30, 2010'' and
inserting ``May 31, 2010''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)(C), by striking ``May 1, 2010'' each
place it appears in clauses (ii) and (iii) and inserting
``June 1, 2010''.

SEC. 10. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

(a) In General.--The budgetary effects of this Act, for the
purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of
2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest
statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation''
for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional
Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee,
provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the
vote on passage.
(b) Emergency Designation for Congressional Enforcement.--
This Act, with the exception of section 4, is designated as
an emergency for purposes of pay-as-you-go principles. In the
Senate, this Act is designated as an emergency requirement
pursuant to section 403(a) of S. Con. Res. 13 (111th
Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal
year 2010.
(c) Emergency Designation for Statutory PAYGO.--This Act,
with the exception of section 4, is designated as an
emergency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the
Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-139; 2
U.S.C. 933(g)).

Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, on March 10, the Senate passed a bill to
extend unemployment insurance and a number of other provisions through
the end of this year. We are currently working with the House of
Representatives to agree on a package of offsets for a portion of that
bill.
In the meantime, Congress needs to act on the pending bill to ensure
that Americans can receive their much needed unemployment benefits.
This bill would extend benefits to the end of this month.
My amendment, which I just offered, will extend the programs in the
bill before us today for one more month, until the end of May. Why?
What is the purpose of this? The answer is that this further short-term
extension would ensure that Congress has enough time to resolve its
differences over the long-term extension.
It is now April 13. The end of the month is not too long away. It is
not sufficient time to work out an agreement with the relevant Senators
on both sides of the aisle as to how to pay for this and what portions
of the unemployment/COBRA bill. It is going to take a little more time
than 2 weeks. This amendment will extend the unemployment benefits and
all the provisions in the current bill for one more month to give us
time to work out a solid understanding so that in the end we can pass
the bigger, longer term extenders bill, which would extend the tax
provisions, as well as the SGR, COBRA, UI, FMAP, and other provisions
until the end of the calendar year.
Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, we invoked cloture last evening on a
motion to proceed to legislation that will extend unemployment benefits
during what has been the deepest recession since the Great Depression.
We have had objections from the other side to extending unemployment
benefits as an emergency, saying these cannot be extended because they
will cost too much and add to the deficit and this and that.
It is interesting to me that in this country, when our country has
experienced an economic downturn, we have always dealt on an emergency
basis with the most vulnerable Americans by extending unemployment
insurance benefits. Why? For two reasons. No. 1, when you work for a
living in this country, you actually pay premiums for an unemployment
insurance plan that then kicks in when you lose your job. This is not
as if somebody is getting something for nothing. People who are working
in this country are actually paying into a plan that provides for
unemployment insurance. And, No. 2, extending unemployment insurance
during a severe economic downturn is just the right thing to do for the
most vulnerable Americans.
I find it interesting that the very people who have been standing in
the way of doing this, saying it is the Federal budget deficits, that
they are too big--I agree they are too big. But I have not seen any of
these folks out here when it really matters. This is taking on the most
vulnerable Americans. They are out here taking on that issue.
How about the big issues? How about fighting a war and not paying for
one penny of it over a 10-year period? In the 8 years of the previous
administration, we went to war, and we were told by President George W.
Bush: You are not going to pay for a penny of this; and if you try to
pay for it, I will veto the bill. It is all going to be emergency
spending. The fact is, we should have seen the same folks out here
complaining about that issue.
Or how about going back 10 or 11 years when legislation was passed
that built these huge corporate financial pyramids that got engaged in
all kinds of unbelievable risky speculation and ran the country into
the economic ditch and caused $15 trillion of American wealth to vanish
and cause these unbelievable increases in deficits? I did not see them
out here on that issue either. In fact, many of them voted for the
legislation that repealed the protections that were put in place after
the Great Depression and actually allowed to happen what has happened
in the last 10 years that caused this collapse.
I don't know. It seems to me this last stand on the budget deficit,
to say let's have the last stand when it comes to the most vulnerable
Americans, that is our last stand--how about a last stand, for example,
on some of the affluent Americans? How about a last stand on carried
interest? I encourage my colleagues who have been out here worried
about the budget deficit to come out here while I am here and talk
about changing the carried interest rules.
What does that mean? It sounds like a foreign language to some. It
means some in this country are earning more income than anybody in
America and paying the lowest income tax rates. Why is that the case?
That is what the law allows them to do. We have been trying to change
the law, but some of my colleagues do not want to change

[[Page 5297]]

the law. That would be increasing taxes.
Let me give an example of increasing taxes. How about increasing
taxes on a person who made $3.6 billion in a year--which, by the way,
is about $10 million a day--and pays 15 percent income taxes? How about
if we say to that person and others like him or her: How about you pay
the same kind of taxes everybody else in this country pays? That will
reduce the Federal budget deficit.
I ask my colleagues, do you want to join me to do that? I am all for
reducing the Federal budget deficit. Tighten our belts, reduce
spending--I am all for that. But, also, how about asking people to pay
their fair share of taxes?
I said yesterday, as I said before, that we have some of the biggest
financial institutions in this country that in the last decade decided
to buy sewer systems from foreign cities in order to avoid paying U.S.
taxes. How about let's make sure we close all loopholes, such as that
loophole, that say: You want all the benefits America has to offer? How
about paying the taxes and being responsible as an American citizen for
things that you are required to do?
If we want to reduce the Federal budget deficit let's take some real
big hunks at doing that by, yes, reducing some spending, and there is
plenty of waste. I chaired 20 hearings on the biggest waste, fraud, and
abuse in the history of this country; that is, the contracting in Iraq
and Afghanistan. I will not go through it in detail today. I am telling
you, it is the biggest waste in American history in these contracts.
Let's cut some of that spending. Let's raise some taxes on those who
are not paying their fair share, those who are doing everything they
can to avoid paying taxes in this country. Let's cut the deficit, but
let's not come out here and pretend that the last stand is to take on
the most vulnerable Americans at a time when we should extend
unemployment insurance. That makes no sense.
Mr. President, if you know much about economics, you understand
during a steep economic downturn there is substantially less revenue
coming into the Federal Government. We have lost something like $400
billion a year in revenue. At exactly the same time when we have a
steep economic downturn, the economic stabilizers kick in--unemployment
insurance, food stamps, and other programs for people who have been
laid off, out of work, in trouble. That is exactly what we do during an
economic downturn. We have less revenue and more spending. That is
temporary because the minute we come out of this and restore economic
health, then we do the things necessary to get rid of those budget
deficits and put the country back on track to a better course.
I don't know, this has been a Byzantine circumstance to see who comes
to the floor of the Senate and say: You know what. Now we are going to
make our last stand, and it is going to be when you want to give some
unemployment insurance to the most vulnerable Americans, those who have
lost their jobs.
Someplace in this country, all around the country today, about 17
million people or so woke up jobless. They have lost their jobs. They
do not have work. They got dressed and went out with some hope in their
hearts that maybe they could find a job. But tonight will come and they
will not have found a job. The question they ask is, Am I going to get
the funding I was told would exist, for which I paid insurance premiums
for unemployment insurance? Am I going to get that help during this
period of time? This was not my fault. I was laid off because of a very
steep economic recession.
The answer should be from this Congress: Yes, you are going to get
that help. We understand the obligation and the need to do that during
this economic recession.
My hope is we will get a little cooperation and see if we can do
that. Again, I am very interested in tackling this Federal budget
deficit. Let's tackle it in big ways in the areas where substantial
additional revenue that should come in is now not coming in because
people are avoiding paying their taxes, some of those who are the
wealthiest Americans.
Let's also tighten our belt and cut spending in areas I just
described. Let's not decide the last stand is to take on the most
vulnerable Americans who woke up this morning jobless and, in some
cases, hopeless and helpless if they do not have money to buy food, pay
rent, and buy medicine.
We can do better than that. There is a moral imperative for this
Congress to at long last do the right thing.
I did not come to the floor to say that, but because that is the
business of the day, I wanted to, on behalf of Senator Baucus and
Senator Reid and others, say that we have an obligation, and we are
trying to work through this issue.
Last night by one vote we were able to invoke cloture with almost no
help--we got a little help to get cloture invoked. Now we will get on
with the business of seeing if we can, during a very deep economic
downturn, extend unemployment insurance as we are required to do and as
we have an obligation to do.
I hope the answer is yes. That is our responsibility. That is our
obligation. If there are those who come to the floor later wanting to
join me in dealing with the issues I just described--spending cuts,
revenue increases from those who are not paying their fair share, some
of the biggest financial companies in the country--let's join and do
that. I am here and very happy to do it.

Energy

Mr. President, there are many things on the agenda for this country
that need doing. We are trying to work through this list. We worked on
a health care reform bill that I understand was very controversial. The
fact is, health care is such a significant part of our economy and the
costs are growing so rapidly that we have to try to address it, and we
did.
There is another issue, however, that I want to talk about today, and
that is the issue of energy. We do not think much about energy because
it becomes kind of second nature to the way we live. We get up in the
morning and the first thing we do is turn off an electric alarm clock,
perhaps, and then flick a switch and lights go on. We do almost
everything without thinking, and that reflects on our use of energy.
Someone makes coffee. They turn on a stove to make coffee or plug in a
toaster to make toast. They get in their car to drive to work, perhaps
take a shower beforehand with hot water from a hot water heater. All of
those, even before they get started, reflect the prodigious use of
energy in our country.
Almost two-thirds of the oil that we use in this country comes from
other countries outside our shores. I have spoken often about this
fact. But we stick straws in this planet and suck oil out of it. We
suck out about 85 million barrels of oil a day and one-fourth is
destined to come to the United States because that is how much we need
and how much we use. The problem is that about two-thirds of it comes
from other countries. Some of it comes from countries that do not like
us very much.
The question is, How do we provide greater energy security for our
country, more energy security so we are less vulnerable? Second, and
just as important, how do we change our mix of energy and our use of
energy to protect our planet with respect to the issue of climate
change?
Let me talk about this for a moment and say the following: First,
climate change is important. There is something happening to our
climate, and we ought to address it. Even the skeptics should at least
be in support of a series of no-regret steps that if 50 years from now
you decide that climate change was not happening, at least you have
done something you don't have regrets doing because they were the right
things to do. Even the skeptics should agree about that. But, yes,
something is happening to our climate and we ought to take some steps
to address them. I am in favor of capping carbon. The use of carbon and
emitting it into the airshed is a serious problem. We need to have a
lower-carbon future. I am in favor of capping carbon emissions. But it
has to be done in a smart

[[Page 5298]]

way and an appropriate way, and I am in favor of that. I am also in
favor of putting a price on carbon.
There are some people who I think that I and others who want to bring
the Energy bill to the floor of the Senate--which came from the Energy
Committee and the work we did last year--don't support addressing
climate change. I support the effort to address climate change. I
support a cap on carbon, and I support the opportunity to decide that
we are going to not only lower carbon emissions, but put a price on
carbon, which is a way to accomplish all that. What I don't support is
what is called ``cap and trade'' as the mechanism to do that because I
don't have any interest or willingness to consign a $1 trillion carbon
securities market to Wall Street to speculate on. There are other ways
to do this.
Let me just say that the issue of restraining carbon and putting a
price on carbon can be done in many different ways. Some of my
colleagues say: Well, the only way to do it is what we call cap and
trade. I don't believe that, and I don't support that for the reasons I
have described. There could be a carbon fee, a straightforward carbon
fee, which is much less complicated. There is the cap-and-dividend
approach, which has some advantages as well. There is a sector-by-
sector approach. There are a number of hybrid approaches being
discussed. There is the command-and-control approach, where you simply
say: Here is the restriction. So, there are many different approaches
to this issue of restricting carbon and trying to price carbon.
But here is what is happening. We passed an energy bill out of the
energy committee last June. It was bipartisan. Republicans and
Democrats joined together and we passed an energy bill and here is what
it does: It will reduce the amount of carbon emitted into the airshed,
it will maximize the production of energy from wind and solar sources,
which are carbon free, and it will build the transmission capability
around the country, a superhighway of transmission so you can gather
energy from where the sun shines and the wind blows and put it on the
wire to move the energy where it is needed to a load center. We also
have a renewable electricity standard, called an RES, requiring 15
percent of all electricity be done from renewables. I would offer an
amendment to take that to 20 percent, if we can get the bill to the
floor of the Senate.
That is just an example of what is in the bill. In fact, this is a
chart reflecting that it will reduce our dependence on foreign energy
and it will increase domestic production. It was my amendment that
opens the eastern Gulf of Mexico for production. It is the only area
that is not now open and has substantial reserves of both oil and
natural gas. We establish a renewability electricity standard, create a
transmission superhighway. We electrify and diversify the vehicle fleet
in our country. Seventy percent of the oil used in this country is used
in the vehicle fleet. So that is very important. The bill contains
substantial provisions dealing with energy efficiency and new green
energy technology.
All those things are exactly what we would do if we had already
passed a climate change bill to say: All right. Now how do you
implement it? What are the provisions you develop in order to implement
this, to have less carbon emitted? This is what you would do.
So many of us have been impatient about trying to get this bill to
the floor of the Senate, but here is what I understand. I understand
that those who say they want climate change legislation first have said
they don't want an energy bill to come to the floor of the Senate
because they want there to be some agreement on climate change, and
until they get that, they don't want the Energy bill to come to the
floor of the Senate. My view is, we should bring the Energy bill to the
floor of the Senate. Let's all of us decide this is a priority. When
the bill comes to the floor of the Senate, let's reach an agreement on
some kind of climate change amendment to this bill and move ahead.
I wouldn't support cap and trade, but there are other things I will
support that will put a price on carbon. But why would we end this
Congress not having achieved some very substantial achievements in a
bipartisan energy bill that will actually reduce the emission of carbon
in the atmosphere? That makes no sense to me.
As we go forward, I know this is an issue that requires it fit into a
broader set of issues--immigration reform is discussed these days, Wall
Street reform or financial reform is going to come to the floor at some
point, which will take some time, appropriations bills, and there are
many other things--but I still believe it is very important that we
diversify America's energy supply, that we maximize the production of
renewable energy, and that we produce more here at home and, yes, that
includes oil and natural gas. The use of coal is also very important,
the use of coal using new technology to decarbonize. We can do all
these things. Our legislation includes the provisions that will
accomplish that.
So, what we need to have happen is to have our legislation come to
the floor of the Senate from the Energy Committee. I would say to all
those who wish to work on the broader piece of climate change to add to
it as an amendment. I support a carbon cap, and I will support pricing
carbon. That does not include support for cap and trade. If we haven't
learned anything from the last decade or so about what Wall Street
would do with a $1 trillion securities market, then we are pretty ill-
prepared to legislate on these issues.
There are not a lot of weeks left in this legislative session, and my
fervent hope, I would say to those who have been working on climate
change and blocking our ability to bring an energy bill to the floor of
the Senate, is that we can perhaps find a way to work together to bring
the Energy bill to the floor. That is the way the Senate works. The
Senate works by running things through a committee and working hard to
achieve compromise. We did that on a bipartisan basis and passed a
piece of legislation that is a Democratic-Republican energy bill that
reduces carbon, maximizes renewable energy, opens additional areas of
drilling in the eastern gulf, builds an interstate highway of
transmission capability, has the first ever RES, renewable electricity
standard, and all those things are important to this country. We should
not leave them at the starting gate. Let's at least decide that this,
too, is a priority for our country. Yes, health care is a priority, but
so is energy.
Let me make one final point. If tomorrow morning, instead of flicking
that switch, shutting off the alarm clock, taking a shower with the use
of an electric water heater, putting a piece of bread in the toaster,
taking something out of your refrigerator and using all that energy
even before you get in your car to go to work, if, God forbid, somehow
terrorists interrupted the pipeline of foreign oil coming to this
country--and there are a lot of points where that possibility exists--
this country's economy would be flat on its back. We are, in my
judgment, far too vulnerable with the percentage of our economy that
runs on foreign oil and there is a way to respond to that and a way to
address it and much of that is included in this legislation that has
already passed the Energy Committee on a bipartisan vote.
I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Hagan). The clerk will call the roll.
The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in
morning business.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
(The remarks of Mr. Kaufman pertaining to the introduction of S. 3196
are printed in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills
and Joint Resolutions.'')
Mr. KAUFMAN. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

[[Page 5299]]

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado.
Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that
the order for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

NASA Budget

Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam President, I rise today to discuss
President Obama's proposed fiscal year 2011 budget and the proposed
path forward for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
which we all know as NASA. Even though Colorado doesn't have a NASA
facility, this proposed budget and the major changes to NASA's
direction included in it have major implications for thousands of
Coloradans. I was the chairman on the House side of the Space
Subcommittee and I know what space means to Colorado and I know what it
means to our Nation.
Yesterday, Senator Bennet and I had the opportunity to meet with
former General and now NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden to urge him to
reevaluate the decision included in the President's budget request for
NASA to terminate the Constellation Program. This program is developing
the successor to the retiring space shuttle known as the Orion capsule
and Ares rocket. Those two technologies will be teamed up in the
planning that was brought together.
We had a frank and productive discussion with Administrator Bolden.
Senator Bennet and I impressed upon him the importance of this
program--especially the development of the Orion capsule--to thousands
of jobs in Colorado and, frankly, to America's leadership more broadly
in space. General Bolden assured us that he wants to be flexible and
work with Congress on this NASA budget and that he is committed to
human space flight. In other words, the President's budget request is
the beginning of a long process, and I was pleased to hear General
Bolden is set on working with Congress to chart a future course for
NASA and America's leadership in space. I look forward to working with
General Bolden as this unfolds.
If I might, I will take a few moments to describe the aerospace
community in Colorado. Although we don't host a NASA facility, Colorado
has the second largest aerospace economy in the Nation, behind only
California. We have a talented and educated workforce and our colleges
and universities have deep ties to NASA, private aerospace companies,
and Federal research laboratories. We have many businesses that partner
with NASA and the military to provide launch services and satellite
development as well as a number of startup companies that are pushing
the boundaries of what is possible in privately financed access to
space. We can also in Colorado boast of the two key military space
commands--NORAD and the Air Force Space Command--and three Air Force
bases with strong space missions: Buckley, Peterson, and Schriever.
In short, Colorado's aerospace enterprise brings together the
government and commercial sectors as well as the military and civil
sectors. For all of these reasons, I pay close attention to NASA and to
the administration's vision for the agency, and the significant changes
in the President's fiscal 2011 budget request demand an especially hard
look. I know many of my Senate colleagues feel the same way.
I have been reviewing the President's NASA budget since it was
released in February and, as I noted earlier, Senator Bennet and I
shared our concerns with General Bolden yesterday.
Let me start by saying there is much to like in the President's
budget. First, it supports an extension of the International Space
Station until 2020 and possibly beyond. Completing this station has
been a long time coming and I am pleased to see that this
administration's commitment to fully utilizing it past the previous end
date of 2015.
Second, the budget includes important new investments in science and
aeronautics research. My goal is to balance each of NASA's four mission
priorities: earth science, space science, space exploration, and
aeronautics. The President's request for nonexploration priorities
represented a farsighted investment that should pay large dividends.
Also, the budget includes an additional $6 billion over 5 years,
which is especially notable at a time when many agencies are seeing
flat or declining budgets. Much of this investment will go toward
developing transformative technologies and propulsion systems that will
help NASA cross into new frontiers.
However, the elephant in the room is understandably the proposed
cancellation of the Constellation Program, which is to be supplanted by
commercial development of human space flight. A purely commercial
approach to human space flight may be the future, but I am concerned
that it also runs the risk of diminishing American leadership in space.
If that happens, that would be a great shame. It would be penny wise,
but I fear it would be pound foolish. Let me be frank. This move would
hit Colorado especially hard. Well over 1,000 Coloradans work directly
on one aspect or another of Constellation. In addition, the Jefferson
County Economic Council estimates that work on Constellation supports
nearly 4,000 additional Colorado jobs and $300 million worth of
economic activity in the Metro Denver area. As the Presiding Officer
can imagine, those kinds of numbers give me real pause. They are
especially worrisome in today's economic conditions.
The budget proposal leaves broader questions unanswered as well.
After the planned retirement of the space shuttle next year, the United
States will be without the capacity to launch humans into space,
including to the International Space Station. At that point, we will be
forced to purchase access to space on Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
Constellation was supposed to minimize the gap in our ability to access
Low Earth Orbit, otherwise known as LEO, and now the President is
proposing to rely on the commercial sector to minimize the gap instead.
I strongly support development of commercial launch capabilities and
space services, and I look forward to the day when the commercial
sector can provide these services for NASA to focus on development of
new exploration technologies and human missions beyond Low Earth Orbit.
I am confident that day will come. However, I have not seen
sufficient proof from the administration that day is close at hand. The
commercial sector has yet to prove it can safely put a human into
orbit.
Should the commercial sector fail to deliver human access to space,
America will be reliant on Russian-procured launch services to the
space station and LEO for the foreseeable future. In my opinion, that
is an unacceptable position for our Nation.
The United States and Russia have enjoyed a very productive
partnership in space. It has been good for our country and good for
space exploration. We should cooperate and share resources wherever
possible. But I am concerned about what an indefinite reliance on
Russian launch services will mean for our leadership in space.
Cancelling Constellation has other important implications for our
national security. NASA is a prime customer for the U.S. space launch
industrial base, which we rely on to sustain our strategic deterrence
mission and to ensure access to space. These issues are especially
important to me, as I sit on the Armed Services Committee.
Department of Defense officials have stated that Constellation's
cancellation could increase the current price of propulsion systems for
our launch vehicles. The Department of Defense is looking at the cost
impacts, but we will not have clear answers until this summer. Congress
needs this information before deciding whether to approve the
President's budget request.
I do not want to appear naive about the problems this administration
faced in crafting a NASA budget and direction for the future. The
Constellation Program, as currently resourced, is clearly
``unsustainable,'' in the words

[[Page 5300]]

of the Review of Human Spaceflight Plans Committee--more commonly known
as the Augustine Committee. The committee went on to say that we are
``perpetrating the perilous practice of pursuing goals that do not
match allocated resources.'' That is simply not a recipe for U.S.
leadership in space either.
In the midst of crafting this budget for NASA, the administration
also faced the worst economic conditions in a generation. I can
appreciate the difficulty of designing a sustainable plan for NASA with
today's fiscal constraints.
We cannot and should not ask NASA to do more with less. Transferring
routine space operations to the commercial sector appears to be an
attractive, potentially money-saving alternative.
I know I am not alone in believing that Congress should not support
this budget based on what we know now. Terminating Constellation does
not make sense. But we should be open to restructuring the program in a
way that preserves American leadership in space and protects jobs.
Madam President, where do we go from here? The President will be
speaking later this week in Florida. It will be his first set of
comments on the proposed NASA budget. I appreciate the fact that the
President is tackling the problems with Constellation head on. However,
he needs to explain his plan better.
I hope the President will begin to answer the questions that I and
many of my colleagues in Congress have asked. I hope he will begin to
articulate a plan for NASA that is, in the words of the Augustine
Committee, ``worthy of a great nation.'' I do not believe we are there
yet, but we will get there.
One of the lessons I learned as a mountaineer came on the 10th day of
what was supposed to be a 7-day climb of Mount McKinley. At that
critical moment in our climb, I learned that when you are all the way
in, you will find a way. I believe the American people are all the way
in with NASA. I know this Congress is.
NASA's mission of exploration resonates with each of us. That mission
transcends programs, budgets, and politics. It has endured the end of
Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, and it will soon endure the end of the
space shuttle.
Unfortunately, the history of NASA is littered with canceled programs
with little to show for them. I don't want to see the same happen with
Constellation, nor do I want to continue on an unsustainable course.
The challenge before us is to ensure that NASA's programs and budgets
are worthy of its mission.
Over the coming weeks and months, I will be working with my
colleagues in Congress and the administration to find the right way to
further NASA's mission.
I believe there is a sweet spot to be found that includes many of the
positive aspects of the President's proposal. But the American people
deserve answers on the President's vision for our Nation's leadership
in human space travel.
While some changes need to be made, I believe the Constellation
Program has advanced an important mission. It would be highly
disappointing to leave behind the significant investments we have made
in Constellation without anything to show for them.
We will find a budget that works for NASA, for Congress, and for
Colorado. We have to because we are in all the way.
I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Udall of Colorado). Without objection, it
is so ordered.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, there will be no more votes today.
I ask unanimous consent that on April 14, tomorrow, following morning
business, the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 4851, with the time
until 12 noon equally divided and controlled between the leaders or
their designees; that during this time, it be in order for the
Republican leader or his designee to make a relevant Budget Act point
of order against the pending Baucus amendment No. 3721, to be modified
as specified below; that after the point of order is made, Senator
Baucus or his designee be recognized to move to waive the applicable
point of order; that the vote on the motion to waive the budget point
of order occur at 12 noon; that no intervening motions or amendments be
in order during this period of debate; further, that it be in order to
modify the Baucus amendment with provisions which cover the extension
of small business programs.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. REID. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant editor of the Daily Digest (Joe Johnston) proceeded to
call the roll.
Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Recess Appointment

Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I rise to speak about one of the recess
appointments President Obama made when the Senate was not in session.
Before I get into my concern about this, I wish to emphasize the fact
that I have been the ranking member or the chairman of the Oversight of
Government Management and the District of Columbia and then several
years ago the Federal Workforce. Working with Senator Akaka, we have
conscientiously tried to make the most significant improvements in the
Federal service, in terms of human capital and looking at title V of
the code that deals with our Federal workers.
If we look at the past and determine why we have had some real bad
situations in the Federal Government, it is we have not had the right
people with the right knowledge and skills at the right time in the
right place. The whole effort has been to try to improve the management
of our government, to work with Senator Akaka to try to get Federal
agencies off the high-risk list. The high-risk list is agencies subject
to waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.
I first share that with you because I think it may cast a little bit
of a light on what I am going to talk about this evening.
The President nominated Rafael Borras to serve as the Department of
Homeland Security Under Secretary for Management on June 24, 2009. That
is June of last year. I met with Mr. Borras to discuss his experience,
qualifications, and goals for the Department of Homeland Security and
also served as the ranking member when the Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee held his nomination hearing on July 29,
2009.
I carefully reviewed Mr. Borras's background and resume and stated
qualifications and heard what people he worked for and what people who
worked for him said about him. Based on all that, I placed a hold on
Mr. Borras's nomination because I believe he is unqualified to be the
DHS Under Secretary for Management.
On March 27 of this year, the President ignored my concerns and my
hold and made Mr. Borras 1 of his 15 recess appointments, and I want to
know why. I want to know why. I do not generally oppose nominees, and I
do not put holds on lightly. When I do, I explain why I put on holds. I
do not hide out. I let people know why I put on a hold.
I am extremely concerned about the management challenges the
Department of Homeland Security faces, which are wide ranging and far
reaching.
When Congress established the Department of Homeland Security in
2002, we initiated the Federal Government's largest restructuring since
the Department of Defense was created in 1947. What is more, we told
the Department to protect us from terrorism and natural disasters,
while addressing the organizational, operational, and cultural
challenges associated with merging 22 agencies and 170,000 employees
into one

[[Page 5301]]

entity. It is probably the biggest management challenge in the history
of the world. The Government Accountability Office cautioned about the
challenges the merger would cause and placed the Department of Homeland
Security on its high-risk list in January of 2003.
Today, DHS is the third largest Cabinet department with about 230,000
employees and an annual budget of $50 billion. Management challenges
persist and the Department remains on GAO's high-risk list.
Additionally, the DHS inspector general, the DHS Chief Financial
Officer, and the Homeland Security Advisory Council's Cultural Task
Force have also identified management challenges at the DHS. They
recognize they have some big problems.
DHS is too big an entity, spending too much money, with too important
a job to be deemed susceptible to waste, fraud, abuse, and
mismanagement year after year, and it is imperative that the right
person be put in place to address those challenges. I do not believe
Mr. Borras is the person, and I do not think he will move the
Department forward toward getting off the Government Accountability
Office's high-risk list.
My concerns about Mr. Borras's qualifications and the hold on the
nomination, as I mentioned, were not secret. I wrote to the majority
leader, I wrote to Secretary Napalitano, and I also wrote to the
President to outline my concerns.
I announced at a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing
on DHS management challenges that I was holding the nomination because
of those concerns, but no one approached me to discuss those concerns.
The Senate did not debate Mr. Borras's qualifications. No cloture
motion was filed. Rather, my concerns were ignored, and this recess
appointment was made.
I would like for someone in the administration to explain why things
were done this way. I assume because it is everyone knows Mr. Borras is
not the best person to manage our third largest department, and any
debate we had would have made his lack of qualifications plainly
apparent. So we did not debate it.
If the Senate had taken the time to debate this nomination, I would
have explained in 2007, Congress set statutory requirements for the DHS
Under Secretary for Management. By the way, we helped create that
special Under Secretary for Management because we believed the
Department needed someone who would get up early in the morning and go
to bed late at night and move on the transformation that is needed in
the Department to get it off the high-risk list.
We required the Under Secretary to have extensive executive-level
leadership and management experience, a demonstrated ability to manage
large and complex organizations, and a proven record in achieving
positive operational results. Mr. Borras did not meet those statutory
requirements because he does not have the appropriate executive-level
leadership experience or demonstrated ability to manage an organization
as large and complex as DHS.
The administration and Mr. Borras point to his experience as one of
several vice presidents in one region of a Fortune 500 company, as a
regional administrator for one region of the General Services
Administration, and as a Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department
of Commerce. I do not believe, and most people do not believe, these
experiences are in any way comparable to the challenges Mr. Borras will
face at DHS.
Mr. Borras has never overseen a budget anywhere near as large as the
DHS budget. His own assertions indicate that the largest budget he ever
was involved with was $4.5 billion at the Department of Commerce. That
is roughly one-tenth the size of the DHS $50 billion budget, and Mr.
Borras was never directly responsible for the Commerce Department
budget. He was just one of those who worked at the Department.
Additionally, Mr. Borras has never managed hundreds of thousands of
employees, such as the 230,000 he will be responsible for at DHS. At
most, he asserts he was directly responsible for managing 1,500
employees while a GSA regional administrator.
He has also never overseen a procurement budget similar to that at
DHS, where in 2005, $10 billion was spent on 63,000 contracts. Mr.
Borras asserts that the largest procurement budget he has been involved
with was one-quarter of that, $2.5 billion, while he was at the General
Services Administration.
Given the vast difference between Mr. Borras's experience and the
requirements of the job, I agree with two of his former supervisors who
told me this job is a big leap from what he has done in the public and
private sector. In other words, they said this is a big leap from what
he has done.
Further, when you compare Mr. Borras's qualifications with the
qualifications of past nominees for this position, it is even more
concerning.
For example, Paul Schneider had over 38 years of Federal service when
he was nominated to be the DHS Under Secretary for Management, and much
of that experience was with the Navy, a large, complicated organization
such as DHS.
Similarly, Elaine Duke had more than 25 years of progressively
difficult Federal Government experience, primarily within the
Department of Defense, when she was nominated to be DHS Under Secretary
for Management.
I do not mean to imply only career civil servants are appropriate for
this role, but Mr. Borras's resume does not include high-level
managerial positions in organizations that are similarly complex to
DHS. I think the Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for
Management needs a proven record in that regard.
I emphasize again, we set this up specifically to be responsible for
transformation and to deal with the management problems of the
Department. We laid it out: This is the kind of person we ought to be
putting into this position.
Additionally and unfortunately, Mr. Borras demonstrated a lack of
attention to detail on two separate occasions in his personal life,
which makes me wonder whether he is prepared to successfully undertake
all the responsibilities required of the DHS Under Secretary for
Management, such as addressing DHS's low rank on the ``Best Places to
Work in the Federal Government'' study and overseeing the billions of
dollars the DHS spends on hard-to-manage projects such as SBInet.
I feel so strongly about Mr. Borras's lack of qualifications that I
am no longer seeking to work to enact a 5-year term for the person who
holds this position. The thought was, when we put this position
together, we would give it a 5-year term because we knew that if we
were going to do transformation, it was going to take more than 1 year.
We would give that individual 5 years to go forward and work on nothing
but transformation, transformation, transformation, so this Department
would come together and get it off the high-risk list.
The Government Accountability Office suggested that such a term would
help improve the management function at DHS, and I have been advocating
for such legislation for the last couple years. My bill has bipartisan
support and has passed the Senate before, but now I don't want it
enacted because I am afraid of having Mr. Borras in this position for 5
years. I don't think he has the skills necessary to get the job done.
So that is gone.
I know I am not alone in my concerns. Mr. Borras was passed out of
the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee largely on a
party-line vote, but it should be noted that two Democratic members of
the committee expressed concern about his qualifications when we were
debating his nomination.
In fact, one of the Democrats who voted for the nomination said she
was doing so to send the nomination to the floor, but that she wanted
the committee to take a closer look at Mr. Borras's qualifications to
make sure he had the management skills necessary to manage the
Department of Homeland Security.
I wonder, did such a review ever occur? If it did, it did not include
me even though I am the ranking member

[[Page 5302]]

on the committee's Oversight of Government Management Subcommittee. I
should have asked Senator Akaka if he had ever been consulted, but a
dime will get you a dollar that they didn't talk to him at all.
I wasn't a strong supporter in creating the Department of Homeland
Security. Standing it up created real challenges, and those challenges
remain. But the Department exists, and we owe it to the United States
and our children and grandchildren to ensure that the Department is as
good as it can be. I think we need to ask our President why he made
this recess appointment when doubt existed on both sides of the aisle
about Mr. Borras's qualifications. What was the stated reason for the
appointment? Will somebody explain why the appointment was made?
I sat with the Secretary, and we talked about it. Never in all of my
conversations did anyone come forward and say he should get the job;
that he is qualified for the job. The fact that no one in the
administration defended Mr. Borras or explained why they thought he was
qualified to be a DHS Under Secretary for Management still remains a
puzzlement to me. I think somebody owes it to me, to Senator Akaka, and
to the Members of this Senate to explain why they put this man in this
position under a recess appointment, particularly when we have an
agency that, if we don't have the kind of attention given to it, will
never be in a position where it can get off the high-risk list.
Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a
quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant editor of the Daily Digest proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as
in morning business.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, I noticed the senior Senator from
Ohio, my colleague, was in the Chamber, and I wanted to thank him
publicly for his vote yesterday, joining with three other Republicans
Senators--Senators Collins, Snowe, and Brown, the new Senator from
Massachusetts--in their vote to extend unemployment benefits.
There is simply no reason this shouldn't be bipartisan--this
extension of unemployment benefits. It is not solving all our Nation's
problems, but it certainly stimulates the economy. It is the best use
of public dollars to help the economy because when we extend
unemployment benefits, we pay unemployment benefits to a family in
Ashtabula or a family in Yellow Springs who ends up putting money into
their community. They spend it at the local grocery store, the hardware
store, or the department store. They are able to pay their property
tax, which is money that goes to schools, and all of those things. So
it clearly has a stimulative effect on the local economy.
Even more than that, it is what we owe to people who are working
hard, playing by the rules, and who can't find a job. We don't call it
unemployment welfare. We call it unemployment insurance. I think all of
us on both sides of the aisle, even though 30 of my colleagues worked
against passing this legislation to extend unemployment benefits to
people who are now unemployed but who were employed, understand, though
maybe we need to have a little more instruction around here, that when
people are employed, they pay into the system as insurance. When they
are unemployed, they get assistance from the government to keep bread
on the table, to keep their families fed. It is a pretty simple
concept, and it has worked well for us for decades.
I hear from my Republican colleagues who voted against the extension
of unemployment benefits that the reason they did so is because it is
not paid for and that it will blow a hole in the budget. I know the
Presiding Officer, when he represented Boulder in his congressional
district in Colorado before he came to the Senate--he was down the hall
from me, and he remembers, as I do the time when we opposed the war in
Iraq, and the Republicans who supported it, all but, I believe, three
in the House and one in the Senate didn't think then about paying for
that war. They didn't think about what that meant in terms of cost to
their children and grandchildren when they passed that.
We were both in the House, Senator Udall of Colorado and myself, and
they didn't think about the cost when we passed the Medicare giveaway
to the drug and insurance companies, which Senator Udall and I--then
congressmen--opposed. They didn't say anything about paying for it in
those days. They just added it to the credit card for our children and
grandchildren.
When they gave tax cuts to the richest Americans--hundreds of
billions of dollars over 10 years to the wealthiest Americans--that was
just added to the credit card of the future.
It is only now they object to the cost, when it is unemployed
workers--people whose lifestyle, people whose quality of life isn't
close to the quality of life and the lifestyle and the standard of
living that we enjoy, dressed like this, working in a place like this,
this august body, with the privileges that surround us. It is only when
we talk about people who have lost their jobs, who don't have
privileges that we do now--and generally through no doing of their own,
but simply because they lost their jobs because their company closed or
they got laid off--that they object to the cost.
Most of these workers were efficient workers who did what their
employer asked. Yet we are going to be so stingy as to deny them
unemployment compensation.
It is not like they are sitting around with nothing to do and should
be out working. I talked to dozens of people, as I am sure Senator
Udall, the Presiding Officer, has, talked to dozens of people who tell
me they send out 10 or 15, sometimes 25, sometimes 50 resumes every
week or so to try to get a job. Usually these resumes go unanswered and
possibly barely even looked at because these companies are not even
hiring.
It is a question of fairness. It is a question of good economics. It
is a question, in some sense, of the privilege we enjoy here that they
are denying even a shred of that same advantage, by refusing to extend
their unemployment benefits and refusing to extend the assistance they
could get for health care with the so-called COBRA program which allows
them to keep the health insurance they had. It is at high cost--but not
so prohibitively high a cost since we have been helping with that since
the stimulus package and legislation I had written before the stimulus
bill that included it in it that gave assistance to people who lost
their insurance when they signed up for COBRA to keep what they had.
I do not know what to think about their opposition. I hear them say
it is about the budget deficit but I really wonder if it is because
they didn't say it before when it was the tax cuts for the rich, the
drug and insurance company giveaway, billions of taxpayer dollars, and
the Iraq war. They never thought about paying for those things but they
want to do it on the backs of unemployed workers. I do not get that.
Let me make it more personal. I have two letters today. I talked to a
lady from Painesville, OH, east of Cleveland, in Lake County right
along Lake Erie. She wrote and then I actually called her today and
talked to her. Her name is Barbara. She said:

My son-in-law just got his last unemployment check. He has
2 kids, a $1,000 house payment, car insurance, gas is $3 a
gallon, food bills, school clothes, school supplies, car
maintenance.

She writes:

Oh yes, the kids like to eat. . . . They turn off the
utilities when you do not pay them. . . . [P]lease vote to
extend unemployment until jobs are available that pay more
than minimum wage.

She goes on to write:

[We] need good paying jobs or unemployment right now. [My]
daughter has bills she wants to pay.

[[Page 5303]]

She said:

[My] husband wants to work for money.

She said:

My kids don't want welfare.

Again, I think perhaps the Republicans who voted en masse--with the
exception again of four courageous Republicans, including my seatmate,
Senator Voinovich, the senior Senator from my State, including the two
Maine Senators and the Massachusetts Senator--perhaps they do not
understand the difference between welfare and unemployment insurance. I
wish they would pay more attention so that they did. This is again
unemployment insurance. These people are not taking welfare. These are
people who earned it.
The second and last letter I will read--Janet from Toledo in
northwest Ohio writes:

I have been working since I was 14. I am going on 65.

So Janet has worked 50 years or so.

I had to take early retirements and I am [at] risk of
losing my home. . . . Thank the Lord I kept my car, but I
can't afford much else like health insurance.
People like me are struggling. Giving unemployment . . . is
giving money to people who have already earned it and paid
into the system.

She is not asking for herself but she is asking for the many people
she sees in Oregon, OH, and Wauseon and Bryan and Toledo and Sylvania
and all over northwest Ohio, people who again, as most Americans, play
by the rules, work hard and simply ask for a fair shake. They want this
unemployment insurance available, payments available to them. It is not
a lot of money. It is not anything most of us would want to live on, on
any kind of decent standard of living. It is enough to get them to pay
their bills through the week, through the month, so their house will
not be foreclosed on, so they can feed their children or whatever the
basic needs of life are that are so important to them.
I again thank the four Republicans who joined the Democrats in
extending this legislation. I hope we can move forward this week, pass
this legislation and get it to the President so we can get on with the
job of figuring out how to put more people to work in this country.
I spoke today, I did a conference call with several Ohio highway
contractors to talk about what this meant to them, what we can do to
get money so they can build more highways and bridges and water and
sewer systems so they can help companies that want to expand do what
they need to do to modernize and expand their plants so they can begin
hiring people. That is our mission, extend unemployment benefits and
figure out, working with the private sector, how we help them create
jobs and get this economy back on track.
I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the order
for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the order
with respect to H.R. 4851 and the Baucus amendment No. 3721 be modified
to provide the vote on the motion to waive the Budget Act occur at
12:30 p.m., the additional time be divided as previously ordered, and
the remaining provisions of the previous order still in effect.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

____________________

MORNING BUSINESS

Mr. BROWN of Ohio. I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to a
period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak for up to
10 minutes each.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

____________________

HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2010

spiritual and religious care

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, the recently enacted health reform law will
extend quality, affordable health coverage to 32 million Americans and
cover 95 percent of legal residents within the next decade.
Many Americans, including Christian Scientists, rely on provisions in
current law that recognize spiritual care as a medical expense eligible
for a medical care tax deduction. Nothing in the recently enacted
health reform law prevents insurance companies from covering care that
is currently recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as eligible for
a medical care tax deduction through health insurance plans in the
exchanges. Further, the new health reform law does not reduce existing
provisions in the law that recognize spiritual care.
As we work to implement comprehensive health reform, I believe it is
important to ensure that the needs of Americans relying on religious
and spiritual care are addressed. I know these views are shared by my
colleagues, Chairman Harkin and Senator Sherrod Brown, and I look
forward to continue working with them on this issue.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. I would like to associate myself with the remarks
of Senator Kerry. We share an interest in providing appropriate
accommodation for spiritual and religious care in a reformed health
insurance market.
No American should be left worse off as a result of health reform.
Some spiritual care--including that which is provided by Christian
Science practitioners and Christian Science nurses--has been covered by
certain health insurance policies for decades.
For example, four plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits
Program cover religious nonmedical nursing care and/or Christian
Science practitioner services. They are the Government Employees'
Health Association, the Mail Handlers Benefit Plan, the Special Agents
Mutual Benefit Association, and the Association Benefit Plan.
Religious nonmedical nursing services are also covered under the
Medicare and Medicaid Programs--42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395x(ss) and
Sec. 1395i-5. TRICARE covers care in Christian Science nursing
facilities, private duty Christian Science nursing services, and
Christian Science practitioner services (10 U.S.C. Sec. 1079(a)(4)).
And under section 223 of the Internal Revenue Code, funds contained in
a health savings account may be used to pay for spiritual care (26
U.S.C. Sec. 223(d)(2)(A)).
I have an interest in identifying a statutory way to affirm that
health insurance companies may still cover this mode of care as part of
their policies.
Chairman Harkin has shown great leadership throughout health reform.
Mr. HARKIN. I thank the Senator from Ohio. Nothing in health reform
legislation would cut existing benefits or restrict the ability of
private insurance carriers from covering spiritual care. Further,
spiritual care will continue to be recognized as a medical expense
eligible for a medical care tax deduction.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. I thank the Senator for his assistance and look
forward to working with him and Senator Kerry to ensure that
appropriate protections for spiritual care are provided as health
reform is implemented.
Mr. KERRY. I thank the Senator.

____________________

REMEMBERING CAPTAIN JOHN LONERGAN

Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, it is with great pride that I bring to the
attention of the Senate the bravery and sacrifice of a great American,
CPT John Lonergan, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry at
the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. His memory will be
commemorated on May 8, 2010, with the dedication of a monument in his
hometown of Carrick on Suir, County Tipperary, Ireland.
Amid severe famine and the 1848 rebellion against British rule, the
Lonergan family was forced to flee Ireland and made their way to
Vermont. In 1862, as the American Civil War erupted, John Lonergan
mobilized Company A of the 13th Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment,
the so-called

[[Page 5304]]

``Irish Company.'' His unit served 9 months of active duty in Virginia
as part of the 2nd Vermont Brigade guarding the outer defenses of
Washington, DC. As General Lee and General Grant maneuvered the armies
of the South and North during the summer of 1863, Lonergan's Company A
was sent on a forced march to Pennsylvania for what would be the Battle
of Gettysburg.
On July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Lonergan, now a captain, and his
company successfully recaptured a Union cannon lost to the rebels and
took prisoner more than 80 Confederate soldiers. Captain Lonergan was
later awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership and gallantry
during this battle. The next day, he led his company of Vermont
soldiers in an attack against the right flank of a massive Confederate
assault on Cemetery Ridge. Company A made an invaluable contribution to
drive back the Confederate charge at a crucial moment in the Battle of
Gettysburg.
After the War, Captain Lonergan worked to overcome existing prejudice
against Americans of Irish descent by organizing the first public
celebrations of St. Patrick's Day in Vermont. He never lost his love
for Ireland, and he was apparently a passionate advocate for liberation
from British rule. Captain Lonergan continued serving his new country
as a U.S. Customs officer, assigned to duty in Montreal, Canada. He
died in 1902 and was buried in Burlington, VT.
We Vermonters are proud to recognize the bravery of Captain Lonergan,
those of Irish descent who fought alongside him, and the thousands of
other Vermonters who fought in the Civil War. Vermont, per capita, had
more of its sons die fighting in the Civil War than any other State.
For their service, bravery and sacrifice, we thank all of them, and
all those who continue this proud tradition as they serve the Nation
today in Afghanistan, Iraq and other outposts across the globe.

____________________

ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

______

REMEMBERING JOAN MARJORIE KOCH STIVERS

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, it is with great admiration and
respect that I take this time to memorialize one of Kentucky's most
outstanding citizens, Mrs. Joan Marjorie Koch Stivers.
Mrs. Stivers was born on June 19, 1921, in Greenfield, MA. After
graduating from high school she attended Simmons College where she
received a bachelor of science in dietetics. She then attended Harvard
University where she received a master's degree in public health. After
graduating from Harvard, Mrs. Stivers relocated to Manchester, KY, as a
single young woman, upon taking a position with the Kentucky Public
Health Department.
In 1948 she married Bertram Robert Stivers of Manchester, KY. Mr.
Stivers would go on to serve Kentucky as a judge of the circuit court.
Their marriage lasted 57 years and produced four children and numerous
grandchildren. All of their four children are accomplished and include
daughters Louise and Mary Beth, who have had outstanding careers in
higher education, and one son Robert, who is a State senator and
another, Franklin, who is an appellate judge.
However, Mrs. Stivers is perhaps best known for her service to Sue
Bennett College, which she joined in 1957 as a faculty member. Her
career at Sue Bennett spanned 34 years in which time Mrs. Stivers held
numerous positions both inside and outside of the classroom. In
addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Stivers served the college as
dean of women, dean of students, academic dean, and finally president
of the college.
After her retirement, Mrs. Stivers remained active in the community.
She volunteered at the Federal Correctional Institute in Manchester,
was active in the Presbyterian Church, and served on the Cumberland
Valley Area Development District Commission on Aging and on the
Governor's Commission on Aging.
The life of Mrs. Stivers made a tremendous impact on both her local
community and the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky. I am honored to
bring her accomplishments to the attention of the Senate, and I wish to
extend my heartfelt condolences to her friends and family.

____________________

TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE MANNING

Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment
today to recognize Mrs. Frankie Manning of the VA Puget Sound Health
Care System in Seattle, WA. After over 40 years of service in the U.S.
Army and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Mrs. Manning is retiring
from government service. A pioneer in championing the needs of women
veterans, she helped create the Women Veterans' Program for the Western
Region in the 1980s. This program developed standards of care for women
in the VA system and is still in place today. She was also instrumental
in ensuring that the rural areas of our State received equal access and
care from the VA system. My office worked closely with Mrs. Manning to
establish the Veteran-Virtual Clinic in Port Angeles, a project that
allows 3,000 veterans living on the Olympic Peninsula to access
specialty care at the VA in Seattle.
Mrs. Manning has filled many roles within the VA system and served
most recently as the nurse executive, overseeing the nursing operations
at the Seattle and Tacoma facilities. Mrs. Manning also had a
distinguished career in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, spanning 23 years
that included a deployment to Saudi Arabia during the gulf war. Mrs.
Manning retired from the Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
These decades of service to our country demonstrate a dedication to
public service matched by few. Mrs. Manning worked tirelessly to ensure
the men and women serving in our armed services received the best
health care possible and that this care continued for the rest of their
lives. I would like to thank Mrs. Manning for her years of service to
our country and to the people of Washington State. Her career is a
tremendous example of public service, and her commitment to our
veterans is truly appreciated. I wish her all the best in her future
endeavors and know that her many talents will be missed at the VA Puget
Sound Health Care System.

____________________

NOTIFICATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF AN EXECUTIVE ORDER BLOCKING THE
PROPERTY OF CERTAIN PERSONS CONTRIBUTING TO THE CONFLICT IN SOMALIA--PM
50

The PRESIDING OFFICER laid before the Senate the following message
from the President of the United States, together with an accompanying
report; which was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs:

[[Page 5305]]

1992. In UNSCR 1844, the United Nations Security Council determined
that the situation in Somalia poses a threat to international peace and
security in the region and called on member States to apply certain
measures against persons responsible for the continuing conflict. The
United Nations Security Council has continued to express grave concern
about the crisis in Somalia in UNSCR 1846 of December 2, 2008, UNSCR
1851 of December 16, 2008, and UNSCR 1872 of May 26, 2009.
Pursuant to the IEEPA and the NEA, I have determined that the
deterioration of the security situation and the persistence of violence
in Somalia, and acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast
of Somalia, constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the
national security and foreign policy of the United States. The order
declares a national emergency to deal with this threat.
The order is not targeted at the entire country of Somalia, but
rather is intended to target those who threaten peace and stability in
Somalia, who inhibit the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Somalia
or the distribution of such assistance in Somalia, or who supply arms
or related materiel in violation of the arms embargo. The order blocks
the property and interests in property in the United States, or in the
possession or control of United States persons, of the persons listed
in the Annex to the order, as well as of any person determined by the
Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State:

to have engaged in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the
peace, security, or stability of Somalia, including but not limited to
(1) acts that threaten the Djibouti Agreement of August 18, 2008, or
the political process, or (2) acts that threaten the Transitional
Federal Institutions, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), or
other international peacekeeping operations related to Somalia;
to have obstructed the delivery of humanitarian assistance to
Somalia, or access to, or distribution of, humanitarian assistance in
Somalia; or
to have directly or indirectly supplied, sold, or transferred to
Somalia, or to have been the recipient in the territory of Somalia of,
arms or any related materiel, or any technical advice, training, or
assistance, including financing and financial assistance, related to
military activities.

The designation criteria will be applied in accordance with
applicable Federal law including, where appropriate, the First
Amendment to the United States Constitution. The designation criteria
will also be applied taking into consideration the arms embargo on
Somalia imposed by UNSCR 733 of January 23, 1992, as elaborated upon
and amended by subsequent resolutions.
The order also authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, in
consultation with the Secretary of State, to designate for blocking any
person determined to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided
financial, material, logistical, or technical support for, or goods or
services in support of, the activities described above or any person
whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the
order. I determined that, among other threats to the peace, security,
or stability of Somalia, acts of piracy or armed robbery at sea off the
coast of Somalia threaten the peace, security, or stability of Somalia.
I further authorized the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation
with the Secretary of State, to designate for blocking any person
(defined as an individual or entity) determined to be owned or
controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf
of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in
property are blocked pursuant to the order.
I delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with
the Secretary of State, the authority to take such actions, including
the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers
granted to the President by IEEPA and the United Nations Participation
Act, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the order. All
executive agencies are directed to take all appropriate measures within
their authority to carry out the provisions of the order.
The order, a copy of which is enclosed, became effective at 12:01
a.m. eastern daylight time on April 13, 2010.
Barack Obama.
The White House, April 13, 2010.

____________________

MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE RECEIVED DURING ADJOURNMENT

Enrolled Bill and Joint Resolution Signed

Under the authority of the order of the Senate of January 6, 2009,
the Secretary of the Senate, on March 31, 2010, during the adjournment
of the Senate, received a message from the House of Representatives
announcing that the Speaker has signed the following enrolled bill and
joint resolution:

H.R. 4621. An act to protect the integrity of the
constitutionally mandated United States census and prohibit
deceptive mail practices that attempt to exploit the
decennial census.
H.J. Res. 80. Joint resolution recognizing and honoring the
Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th anniversary of
representing blinded veterans and their families.

Under the authority of the order of the Senate of January 6, 2009,
the enrolled bill and joint resolution were signed on April 1, 2010,
during the adjournment of the Senate by the President pro tempore (Mr.
Byrd).

____________________

MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE

Enrolled Bill Signed

The PRESIDENT pro tempore (Mr. Byrd) announced that on Friday, March
26, 2010, he had signed the following enrolled bill, which was
previously signed by the Speaker of the House:

H.R. 4938. An act to permit the use of previously
appropriated funds to extend the Small Business Loan
Guarantee Program, and for other purposes.

Enrolled Bill Signed

The PRESIDENT pro tempore (Mr. Byrd) announced that on Friday, March
26, 2010, he had signed the following enrolled bill:

____________________

MEASURES PLACED ON THE CALENDAR

The following bill was read the second time, and placed on the
calendar:

S. 3194. A bill to provide collective bargaining rights for
public safety officers employed by States or their political
subdivisions.

____________________

EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS

The following communications were laid before the Senate, together
with accompanying papers, reports, and documents, and were referred as
indicated:

EC-5288. A communication from the Secretary of the Air
Force, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to
the Average Procurement Unit Cost for the Wideband Global
SATCOM (WGS) program satellites; to the Committee on Armed
Services.
EC-5289. A communication from the Secretary of the Army,
transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to the
Average Procurement Unit Cost for the Advanced Threat
Infrared Countermeasure and Common Missile Warning System
(ATIRCM/CMWS) program; to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-5290. A communication from the Assistant Secretary of
the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller), Department
of Defense, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative
to meals sold by messes for the United States Navy and Naval
Auxiliary vessels; to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-5291. A communication from the Assistant Secretary of
the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), Department
of Defense, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative
to the Army's intent to enter into a contract in support of
depot maintenance programs performed at Corpus Christi Army
Depot, Texas, for the AH-64 and CH-47 Systems; to the
Committee on Armed Services.
EC-5292. A communication from the Administrator of the
Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to law, the
report of a rule entitled ``Potato Research and Promotion
Plan'' (Docket Nos. AMS-FV-09-0024; FV-09-706C)

[[Page 5306]]

received during adjournment of the Senate in the Office of
the President of the Senate on March 31, 2010; to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
EC-5293. A communication from the Secretary of the
Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, a six-month periodic
report on the national emergency declared in Executive Order
13224 of September 23, 2001, with respect to persons who
commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism; to the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
EC-5294. A communication from the Chairman, Federal
Financial Institutions Examination Council, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the Council's 2009 Annual Report to
Congress; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs.
EC-5295. A communication from the Chairman, Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, transmitting,
pursuant to law, a report relative to the Buy American Act;
to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
EC-5296. A communication from the Deputy to the Chairman
for Legal Affairs, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Transitional Safe Harbor Protection for Treatment by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as Conservator or
Receiver of Financial Assets Transferred by an Insured
Depository Institution in Connection With a Securitization or
Participation'' (RIN3064-AD55) received during adjournment of
the Senate in the Office of the President of the Senate on
April 1, 2010; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs.
EC-5297. A communication from the Assistant to the Board of
Governors, Division of Consumer and Community Affairs,
Federal Reserve System, transmitting, pursuant to law, the
report of a rule entitled ``Electronic Fund Transfers'' (FRS
Docket No. R-1377) received in the Office of the President of
the Senate on March 26, 2010; to the Committee on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs.
EC-5298. A communication from the Assistant General Counsel
for Legislation and Regulatory Law, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards
for Small Electric Motors'' (RIN1904-AB70) received during
adjournment of the Senate in the Office of the President of
the Senate on April 1, 2010; to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources.
EC-5299. A communication from the Assistant Secretary for
Fish and Wildlife Parks, National Wildlife Refuge Service,
Department of the Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law,
the report of a rule entitled ``Refuge Specific Regulations;
Public Use; Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge'' (RIN1018-AW15)
as received during adjournment of the Senate in the Office of
the President of the Senate on April 1, 2010; to the
Committee on Environment and Public Works.
EC-5300. A communication from the Director of the
Regulatory Management Division, Office of Policy, Economics,
and Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Delegation of New Source Performance Standards and National
Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for the State
of Louisiana'' (FRL No. 9137-2) received in the Office of the
President of the Senate on April 12, 2010; to the Committee
on Environment and Public Works.
EC-5301. A communication from the Director of the
Regulatory Management Division, Office of Policy, Economics,
and Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation
Plans; Wyoming; Revisions to the Wyoming Air Quality
Standards and Regulations; Direct Final Rule'' (FRL No. 9136-
6) received in the Office of the President of the Senate on
April 12, 2010; to the Committee on Environment and Public
Works.
EC-5302. A communication from the Chief of the Publications
and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department
of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of
a rule entitled ``Striping Transactions for Qualified Tax
Credit Bonds'' (Notice No. 2010-28) received during
adjournment of the Senate in the Office of the President of
the Senate on March 31, 2010; to the Committee on Finance.
EC-5303. A communication from the Chief of the Publications
and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department
of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of
a rule entitled ``American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act
of 2009 Clarifications'' (Notice No. 2010-18) received during
adjournment of the Senate in the Office of the President of
the Senate on March 31, 2010; to the Committee on Finance.
EC-5304. A communication from the Chief of the Publications
and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Service, Department
of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of
a rule entitled ``Issuance of Opinion and Advisory Letters
and Opening of the EGTRRA Determination Letter Program for
Pre-Approved Defined Benefit Plans'' (Announcement 2010-20)
received during adjournment of the Senate in the Office of
the President of the Senate on March 31, 2010; to the
Committee on Finance.
EC-5305. A communication from the Assistant Secretary of
Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of State, transmitting,
pursuant to law, a report relative to the waiver of the
restrictions contained in Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support
Act of 1992; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-5306. A communication from the Assistant Secretary of
Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of State, transmitting,
pursuant to law, a report relative to the withdrawal of
certification granted to Mexico in relation to the incidental
capture of sea turtles in commercial shrimping operations; to
the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-5307. A communication from the Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State,
transmitting, pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, the
certification of a proposed amendment to a manufacturing
license agreement for the export of defense articles,
including, technical data, and defense services for the
manufacture of Small Diameter Bomb Increment I (SDB I) Weapon
System in Italy; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-5308. A communication from the Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State,
transmitting, pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, the
certification of a proposed manufacturing license agreement
for the export of defense articles, including, technical
data, and defense services for the continued manufacture of
M791, M792, and M793 Ammunition and Components for sale to
Turkey; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-5309. A communication from the Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State,
transmitting, pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, the
certification of a proposed manufacturing license agreement
for the export of defense articles, including, technical
data, and defense services for the manufacture of Combat
Identification System Products, Subsystems, and Ancillary
Equipment for the Italian Ministry of Defense; to the
Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-5310. A communication from the Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State,
transmitting, pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, the
certification of a proposed manufacturing license agreement
for the export of defense articles, including, technical
data, and defense services to Israel for the manufacture of
the Video Matrix Switch with Quad Processor (VMS-Q) in the
amount of $50,000,000 or more; to the Committee on Foreign
Relations.
EC-5311. A communication from the Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State,
transmitting, pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, the
certification of a proposed technical assistance agreement
for the export of defense articles, including, technical
data, and defense services to support the Proton launch of
the Astra 1N Commercial Communication Satellite from the
Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in the amount of
$50,000,000 or more; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-5312. A communication from the Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State,
transmitting, pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, the
certification of a proposed amendment to a technical
assistance agreement for the export of defense articles,
including, technical data, and defense services to develop,
integrate, and manufacture the Integrated Color Display
System for modernization of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Air Force Indigenous Defense Fighter in the amount of
$50,000,000 or more; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-5313. A communication from the Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State,
transmitting, pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, the
certification of a proposed manufacturing license agreement
for the export of defense articles, including, technical
data, and defense services for the continued manufacture of
the T55-L712 and 55-L714A engines powering the Japanese
Ministry of Defense's CH-47J Helicopter in the amount of
$100,000,000 or more; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-5314. A communication from the Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State,
transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to U.S.
support for Taiwan's participation as an observer at the 63rd
World Health Assembly and in the work of the World Health
Organization; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-5315. A communication from the Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Department of State,
transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to the
justification for the President's waiver of the restrictions
on the provision of funds to the Palestinian Authority; to
the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC-5316. A communication from the Attorney Advisor, U.S.
Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting,
pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Federal
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act--2009
Implementation'' (RIN1625-AB40) received during adjournment
of the

[[Page 5307]]

Senate in the Office of the President of the Senate on April
9, 2010; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions.
EC-5317. A communication from the Assistant General Counsel
for Regulatory Services, Office of Elementary and Secondary
Education, Department of Education, transmitting, pursuant to
law, the report of a rule entitled ``Race to the Top Fund''
(RIN1810-AB10) received during adjournment of the Senate in
the Office of the President of the Senate on April 8, 2010;
to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5318. A communication from the Acting Director,
Legislative and Regulatory Department, Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation, transmitting, pursuant to law, the
report of a rule entitled ``Allocation of Assets in Single-
Employer Plans; Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-
Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions for Valuing and Paying
Benefits'' (29 CFR Parts 4022 and 4044) received during
adjournment of the Senate in the Office of the President of
the Senate on March 29, 2010; to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5319. A communication from the Deputy Director of
Regulations and Policy Management Staff, Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification;
Bismuth Citrate'' (Docket No. FDA-2008-C-0098) received
during adjournment of the Senate in the Office of the
President of the Senate on April 8, 2010; to the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5320. A communication from the Deputy Director of
Regulations and Policy Management Staff, Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Advisory Committees; Technical Amendment'' (Docket No. FDA-
2010-N-0001) received during adjournment of the Senate in the
Office of the President of the Senate on April 8, 2010; to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5321. A communication from the Deputy Director of
Regulations and Policy Management Staff, Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Medical Devices; Technical Amendment'' (Docket No. FDA-
2010-N-0010) received during adjournment of the Senate in the
Office of the President of the Senate on April 9, 2010; to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5322. A communication from the Deputy Director of
Regulations and Policy Management Staff, Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Administrative Practices and Procedures; Good Guidance
Practices; Technical Amendment'' (Docket No. FDA-1999-N-3539)
received during adjournment of the Senate in the Office of
the President of the Senate on April 9, 2010; to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5323. A communication from the Deputy Director of
Regulations and Policy Management Staff, Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``New Animal Drugs; Removal of Obsolete and Redundant
Regulations'' (Docket No. FDA-2003-N-0446) received during
adjournment of the Senate in the Office of the President of
the Senate on April 9, 2010; to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5324. A communication from the Deputy Director of
Regulations and Policy Management Staff, Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Revision of Organization and Conforming Changes to
Regulations'' (Docket No. FDA-2010-N-0148) received during
adjournment of the Senate in the Office of the President of
the Senate on April 9, 2010; to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5325. A communication from the Deputy Director of
Regulations and Policy Management Staff, Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled
``Medical Devices; Pediatric Uses of Devices; Requirement for
Submission of Information on Pediatric Subpopulations That
Suffer From a Disease or Condition That a Device is Intended
to Treat, Diagnose, or Cure; Direct Final Rule'' (Docket No.
FDA-2009-N-0458) received during adjournment of the Senate in
the Office of the President of the Senate on April 9, 2010;
to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5326. A communication from the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of
a petition to add workers from the Nevada Test Site, Mercury,
Nevada, to the Special Exposure Cohort; to the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5327. A communication from the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of
a petition to add workers from the Lawrence Livermore
National Laboratory, Livermore, California, to the Special
Exposure Cohort; to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5328. A communication from the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of
a petition to add workers from the Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory in Berkeley, California, to the Special Exposure
Cohort; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions.
EC-5329. A communication from the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of
a petition to add workers from the Westinghouse Electric
Corp., Bloomfield, Illinois, to the Special Exposure Cohort;
to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5330. A communication from the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of
a petition to add workers from the Area IV of Santa Susana
Field, Santa Susana, California, to the Special Exposure
Cohort; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions.
EC-5331. A communication from the Director of the Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Department of Labor, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled ``High-Voltage
Continuous Mining Machine Standard for Underground Coal
Miners'' (RIN1219-AB34) received in the Office of the
President of the Senate on April 12, 2010; to the Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5332. A communication from the Director of the Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Department of Labor, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled ``Coal Mine Dust
Sampling Devices'' (RIN1219-AB61) received in the Office of
the President of the Senate on April 12, 2010; to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EC-5333. A communication from the Chairman of the Council
of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a
report on D.C. Act 18-329, ``Service Animal Amendment Act of
2010''; to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
EC-5334. A communication from the Chairman of the Council
of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a
report on D.C. Act 18-330, ``Uniform Interstate Depositions
and Discovery Act of 2010''; to the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
EC-5335. A communication from the Chairman of the Council
of the District of Columbia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a
report on D.C. Act 18-331, ``Closing of a Portion of an
Unimproved Public Alley in Square 5795, S.O. 08-7766, Act of
2010''; to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.

____________________

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The following reports of committees were submitted:

By Mr. KERRY, from the Committee on Foreign Relations,
without amendment and with a preamble:
S. Res. 409. A resolution calling on members of the
Parliament in Uganda to reject the proposed ``Anti-
Homosexuality Bill'', and for other purposes.
By Mr. KERRY, from the Committee on Foreign Relations, with
an amendment in the nature of a substitute and with an
amended preamble:
S. Res. 446. A resolution commemorating the 40th
anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons.

____________________

EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The following executive reports of nominations were submitted:

By Mr. KERRY for the Committee on Foreign Relations.
*Carolyn Hessler Radelet, of the District of Columbia, to
be Deputy Director of the Peace Corps.
*Elizabeth L. Littlefield, of the District of Columbia, to
be President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
*Lana Pollack, of Michigan, to be a Commissioner on the
part of the United States on the International Joint
Commission, United States and Canada.
*Victor H. Ashe, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the
Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August
13, 2010.
*Walter Isaacson, of Louisiana, to be a Member of the
Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August
13, 2012.
*Walter Isaacson, of Louisiana, to be Chairman of the
Broadcasting Board of Governors.
*Michael Lynton, of California, to be a Member of the
Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August
13, 2012.
*Susan McCue, of Virginia, to be a Member of the
Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August
13, 2011.
*Dennis Mulhaupt, of California, to be a Member of the
Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August
13, 2011.

[[Page 5308]]

*S. Enders Wimbush, of Virginia, to be a Member of the
Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August
13, 2010.
*Bisa Williams, of New Jersey, a Career Member of the
Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of
America to the Republic of Niger.
Nominee: Bisa Williams.
Post: Ambassador to Niger.
(The following is a list of all members of my immediate
family and their spouses. I have asked each of these persons
to inform me of the pertinent contributions made by them. To
the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this
report is complete and accurate.)
Contributions, amount, date, donee:
1. Self: $1,505, 2008, Barack Obama.
2. Spouse: N/A.
3. Children and Spouses: Michael Stephen Manigault, Jr., N/
A.
4. Parents: Paul Towbin Williams, M.D.--deceased, N/A;
Eloise Owens Williams--deceased, N/A.
5. Grandparents: Frank E. Owens--deceased, N/A; Viola B.
Owens--deceased, N/A; Charles C. Williams--deceased, N/A;
Mrs. Ida B. Williams--deceased, N/A.
6. Brothers and Spouses: Paul T. Williams, Jr., $2,300,
2008, Hillary R. Clinton; Ammie Felder-Williams, $2,200,
2008, Hillary R. Clinton.
7. Sisters and Spouses: Ntozake Shange,
N/A; Ifa Bayeza, N/A.
____

*Raul Yzaguirre, of Maryland, to be Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of
America to the Dominican Republic.
Nominee: Raul Yzaguirre.
Post: Dominican Republic.
(The following is a list of all members of my immediate
family and their spouses. I have asked each of these persons
to inform me of the pertinent contributions made by them. To
the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this
report is complete and accurate.)
Contributions, donee, amount, and date:
Self: Hillary for President, $1,500, 2/2008; Rick Noriega
for Senate (TX), $1,000, 11/2008; Democratic Senatorial
Committee, $1,000, 5/2009; Gil Cedillo for Congress (CA),
$500, 6/2007; Bill Winter for Congress (CO), $250, 10/2006;
Ciro Rodriguez, $250, 02/02/2006.
2. Spouse: N/A.
3. Children and Spouses: N/A.
4. Parents: N/A.
5. Grandparents: N/A.
6. Brothers and Spouses: N/A.
7. Sisters and Spouses: N/A.
____

*Theodore Sedgwick, of Virginia, to be Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of
America to the Slovak Republic.
Nominee: Theodore Sedgwick.
Post: Ambassador to Slovak Republic.
(The following is a list of all members of my immediate
family and their spouses. I have asked each of these persons
to inform me of the pertinent contributions made by them. To
the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this
report is complete and accurate.)
Contributions, amount, date and donee:
1. Theodore Sedgwick: $1,000, 2006, Harold Ford Jr. for US
Senate; $1,000, 2006, Harris N. Miller, Miller for US Senate;
$1,000, 2006, Heath Shuler for Congress; $2,100, 2006, James
Webb for US Senate; $1,000, 2006, Leonard C. Boswell, Boswell
for Congress; $1,000, 2006, Forward Together South Carolina;
$500, 2006, Maria Cantwell for US Senate; $5,000, 2006, Mark
Warner, Forward Together PAC; $5,000, 2006, New Democrat
Network; $1,000, 2006, Phil Kellam for Congress; $1,000,
2006, Sheldon Whitehouse for Congress; $1,000, 2007, Chellie
N. Pingree for Congress; $4,600, 2007, Obama For America;
$4,500, 2007, Dem Senatorial Campaign Committee; $2,500,
2007, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; $500,
2007, Democratic Leadership Council; $1,000, 2007, Friends of
Jim Clybum--US Congress; $4,600, 2007, Friends of Mark
Warner, US Senate; $4,600, 2007, Friends of US Senator Mary
Landrieu; $4,600, 2007, James Webb for US Senate; $5,000,
2007, New Democrat Network; $1,000, 2007, Tennessee
Democratic Party; $5,000, 2008, Committee for Change--Per FEC
website, Recipients include: $657, Democratic Executive
Committee of FL, $221, Colorado Democratic Party, $329,
Missouri Democratic State Committee, $443, North Carolina
Democratic Party, $606, Ohio Democratic Party, $368,
Democratic Party of Virginia, $347, Georgia Federal Elections
Committee, $323, Indiana Democratic Congressional, Victory
Committee, $583, Pennsylvania Democratic Party; $1,000, 2008,
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee; $28,500, 2008,
Democratic National Committee; $2,100, 2008, Democratic Party
of Virginia; $2,300, 2008, Ethan Berkowitz, Berkowitz for
Congress; $1,000, 2008, Hillary Clinton for Pres; $350, 2008,
Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs; $1,000, 2008,
Tennessee Democratic Party; $1,000, 2008, Udall for Colorado;
$100, 2009, Al Franken for US Senate, MN; $1,000, 2009,
Democracy In Action now called Wired for Change; $17,700,
2009, Democratic National Committee ($489) Michigan
Democratic State Central Committee was partial recipient per
FEC; $1,000, 2009, Friends of Mark Warner.
2. Kate Sedgwick (Spouse): $5,000, 2006, Mark Warner,
Forward Together PAC; $2,300, 2007, Obama For America;
$4,600, 2007, Friends of Mark Warner.
3. Caroline Sedgwick (Daughter): $2,300, 2007, Barack
Obama, Obama for America.
Elizabeth Brunson (Daughter): $2,500, 2006, Forward
Together PAC (Mark Warner); $2,300, 2007, Barack Obama, Obama
for America.
Stuart Brunson (Son-in-Law): $250, 2006, Heath Shuler for
Congress; $2,500, 2006, Forward Together PAC; $1,000, 2007,
Tennessee Democratic Party; $1,000, 2008, Tennessee
Democratic Party; $1,000, 2008, Robert Tuke for US Senate;
$1,000, 2009, Roy Herron for Congress, TN.
Elizabeth Sedgwick (Mother): $1,000, 2006, Robert N.
Shamansky for Congress; $5,000, 2006, Mark R. Warner, Forward
Together PAC; $2,300, 2007, Barack Obama, Obama for America;
$28,500, 2008, Barack Obama, Obama Victory Fund; $26,200,
2008, Democratic National Committee; $2,300, 2008, Barack
Obama, Obama for America.
Grandparents: (N/A).
Ellery Sedgwick (Brother): $1,000, 2006, Mark R. Warner,
Forward Together PAC; $1,000, 2007, Barack Obama, Obama for
America; $1,300, 2008, Barack Obama, Obama for America;
$1,000, 2008, Thomas Stuart Price Perriello for Congress.
Walter Sedgwick (Brother): $2,500, 2006, Democratic
Congressional Campaign Committee; $1,000, 2007, Democratic
Congressional Campaign Committee; $1,000, 2007, William G.
Shafroth, Shafroth for Congress; $1,000, 2007, Democratic
Senatorial Campaign Committee; $2,300, 2008, Barack Obama,
Obama for America; $2,000, 2008, Democratic Senatorial
Campaign Committee; $500, 2008, Charles Brown, Brown for
Congress; $250, 2008, Darcy Burner, Burner for Congress;
$2,500, 2008, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee;
$2,400, 2009, Harry Reid for Senate.
Jeanne Sedgwick (Sister-in-Law): $1,000, 2005, Evan Bayh,
Evan Bayh Committee; $2,300, 2008, Barack Obama, Obama for
America; $2,400, 2009, Harry Reid for Senate.
Irene Briedis (Sister): $600, 2006, Democratic
Congressional Campaign Committee; $250, 2006, Democratic
Senatorial Campaign Committee; $2,100,2007, Barack Obama,
Obama for America; $250, 2007, Democratic Senatorial Campaign
Committee; $2,300, 2008, Barack Obama, Obama for America;
$250, 2009, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
____

*Robert Stephen Ford, of Maryland, a Career Member of the
Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United
States of America to the Syrian Arab Republic.
Nominee: Robert S. Ford.
Post: U.S. Embassy, Damascus, Syria.
The following is a list of all members of my immediate
family and their spouses. I have asked each of these persons
to inform me of the pertinent contributions made by them. To
the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this
report is complete and accurate.
Contributions, amount, date, and donee:
1. Self.
2. Spouse: Clare Alison Barkley: none.
3. Children and Spouses: none.
4. Parents: William Jack Ford: none; Marian Ford: none.
5. Grandparents: deceased.
6. Brothers and Spouses: William E. Ford: none; Brian J.
Ford: none.
7. Sisters and Spouses: none.

Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, for the Committee on Foreign Relations I
report favorably the following nomination list which was printed in the
Record on the date indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the
expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that this nomination
lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

*Foreign Service nominations beginning with Karen L. Zens
and ending with Richard Steffens, which nominations were
received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional
Record on January 26, 2010.

*Nomination was reported with recommendation that it be confirmed
subject to the nominee's commitment to respond to requests to appear
and testify before any duly constituted committee of the Senate.

____________________

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

The following bills and joint resolutions were introduced, read the
first and second times by unanimous consent, and referred as indicated:

By Mr. KAUFMAN (for himself, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Akaka,
and Mr. Lieberman):
S. 3196. A bill to amend the Presidential Transition Act of
1963 to provide that certain

[[Page 5309]]

transition services shall be available to eligible candidates
before the general election; to the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.

____________________

SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND SENATE RESOLUTIONS

The following concurrent resolutions and Senate resolutions were
read, and referred (or acted upon), as indicated:

By Mrs. HAGAN:
S. Res. 478. A resolution expressing support for
designation of March as ``National Whole Child Month''; to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

____________________

ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS

S. 211

At the request of Mrs. Murray, the names of the Senator from Delaware
(Mr. Carper) and the Senator from Colorado (Mr. Udall) were added as
cosponsors of S. 211, a bill to facilitate nationwide availability of
2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services
and volunteer services, and for other purposes.

S. 362

At the request of Mr. Rockefeller, the name of the Senator from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Specter) was added as a cosponsor of S. 362, a bill
to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the collective
bargaining rights and procedures for review of adverse actions of
certain employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other
purposes.

S. 435

At the request of Mr. Casey, the name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr.
Brown) was added as a cosponsor of S. 435, a bill to provide for
evidence-based and promising practices related to juvenile delinquency
and criminal street gang activity prevention and intervention to help
build individual, family, and community strength and resiliency to
ensure that youth lead productive, safe, healthy, gang-free, and law-
abiding lives.

S. 450

At the request of Mr. Baucus, the name of the Senator from Colorado
(Mr. Bennet) was added as a cosponsor of S. 450, a bill to understand
and comprehensively address the oral health problems associated with
methamphetamine use.

S. 535

At the request of Mr. Nelson of Florida, the name of the Senator from
Nebraska (Mr. Nelson) was added as a cosponsor of S. 535, a bill to
amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal requirement for reduction
of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans'
dependency and indemnity compensation, and for other purposes.

S. 732

At the request of Mr. Akaka, the name of the Senator from Rhode
Island (Mr. Whitehouse) was added as a cosponsor of S. 732, a bill to
amend the National Dam Safety Program Act to establish a program to
provide grant assistance to States for the rehabilitation and repair of
deficient dams.

S. 753

At the request of Mr. Schumer, the name of the Senator from Minnesota
(Mr. Franken) was added as a cosponsor of S. 753, a bill to prohibit
the manufacture, sale, or distribution in commerce of children's food
and beverage containers composed of bisphenol A, and for other
purposes.

S. 781

At the request of Mr. Specter, his name was added as a cosponsor of
S. 781, a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide
for collegiate housing and infrastructure grants.

S. 1233

At the request of Ms. Landrieu, the name of the Senator from
Minnesota (Ms. Klobuchar) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1233, a bill
to reauthorize and improve the SBIR and STTR programs and for other
purposes.

S. 1275

At the request of Mr. Warner, the name of the Senator from Indiana
(Mr. Bayh) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1275, a bill to establish a
National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports to carry out
activities to support and supplement the mission of the President's
Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

S. 1352

At the request of Mr. Dodd, the name of the Senator from California
(Mrs. Boxer) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1352, a bill to provide for
the expansion of Federal efforts concerning the prevention, education,
treatment, and research activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne
diseases, including the establishment of a Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory
Committee.

S. 1382

At the request of Mr. Dodd, the name of the Senator from
Massachusetts (Mr. Kerry) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1382, a bill
to improve and expand the Peace Corps for the 21st century, and for
other purposes.

S. 1492

At the request of Ms. Mikulski, the name of the Senator from
Wisconsin (Mr. Kohl) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1492, a bill to
amend the Public Health Service Act to fund breakthroughs in
Alzheimer's disease research while providing more help to caregivers
and increasing public education about prevention.

S. 1789

At the request of Mr. Durbin, the names of the Senator from Alabama
(Mr. Sessions), the Senator from Utah (Mr. Hatch), the Senator from
South Carolina (Mr. Graham) and the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Coburn)
were added as cosponsors of S. 1789, a bill to restore fairness to
Federal cocaine sentencing.

S. 1939

At the request of Mrs. Gillibrand, the name of the Senator from
Michigan (Ms. Stabenow) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1939, a bill to
amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify presumptions relating to
the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the
Republic of Vietnam, and for other purposes.

S. 2962

At the request of Mr. Dodd, the name of the Senator from Maine (Ms.
Collins) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2962, a bill to amend title II
of the Social Security Act to apply an earnings test in determining the
amount of monthly insurance benefits for individuals entitled to
disability insurance benefits based on blindness.

S. 2989

At the request of Ms. Landrieu, the name of the Senator from
Minnesota (Ms. Klobuchar) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2989, a bill
to improve the Small Business Act, and for other purposes.

S. 3039

At the request of Mr. Udall of New Mexico, the name of the Senator
from Minnesota (Ms. Klobuchar) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3039, a
bill to prevent drunk driving injuries and fatalities, and for other
purposes.

S. 3068

At the request of Mrs. Hutchison, the name of the Senator from
Florida (Mr. LeMieux) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3068, a bill to
reauthorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Human
Space Flight Activities, and for other purposes.

S. 3122

At the request of Mr. Ensign, the name of the Senator from South
Dakota (Mr. Thune) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3122, a bill to
require the Attorney General of the United States to compile, and make
publicly available, certain data relating to the Equal Access to
Justice Act, and for other purposes.

S. 3165

At the request of Ms. Landrieu, the name of the Senator from
Minnesota (Ms. Klobuchar) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3165, a bill
to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to
waive the non--Federal share requirement under certain programs.

S. 3180

At the request of Mr. LeMieux, the name of the Senator from Utah (Mr.
Bennett) was added as a cosponsor of S. 3180, a bill to prohibit the
use of funds for the termination of the Constellation Program of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes.

[[Page 5310]]

S. RES. 477

At the request of Mr. Menendez, the names of the Senator from
Wisconsin (Mr. Feingold), the Senator from California (Mrs. Feinstein),
the Senator from Vermont (Mr. Leahy) and the Senator from Pennsylvania
(Mr. Casey) were added as cosponsors of S. Res. 477, a resolution
honoring the accomplishments and legacy of Cesar Estrada Chavez.

____________________

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

By Mr. KAUFMAN (for himself, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Akaka, and Mr.
Lieberman):
S. 3196. A bill to amend the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 to
provide that certain transition services shall be available to eligible
candidates before the general election; to the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
Mr. KAUFMAN. Mr. President, I rise to discuss a bill I am introducing
today, the Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act of 2010, bipartisan
legislation that concerns both our national security and America's
democratic institutions.
I am proud to be joined by my colleague from Ohio, Senator Voinovich
in introducing this bill. I also want to thank our cosponsors, Chairman
Akaka of the Oversight of Government Management Subcommittee as well as
Chairman Lieberman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs
Committee.
I am appreciative of their support and for their input while drafting
this bill.
I also would like to thank the Partnership for Public Service, a
leading nonpartisan, nonprofit organization in the area of government
accountability and reform. Their recent ``Ready to Govern'' report on
the 2008-2009 transition made a number of important recommendations
that are included in our bill.
As the strong, bipartisan support for this bill demonstrates, this is
not a political issue.
After the attacks of September 11, we face new security challenges
that require close cooperation between outgoing and incoming
administrations, and the recent economic crisis underscores the
importance of a smooth handoff on domestic policy as well.
This was highlighted in a recent article by Martha Kumar, a respected
political scientist at Towson University and Director of the
nonpartisan White House Transition Project. As Professor Kumar recounts
in her December 2009 article in Presidential Studies Quarterly, a
threat to President Obama's inauguration brought together the incoming
and outgoing senior national security personnel in the White House
Situation Room the morning of his swearing-in.
In the hours before then-President-elect Obama was to take office,
intelligence sources had indicated a possible plot to attack the
National Mall during the ceremony. Thankfully, this threat proved a
false alarm.
But, as Kumar explains, that Situation Room meeting between advisers
to President Bush and President-elect Obama was a powerful example of
why transition planning is so important.
In their meeting that morning, those on both sides worked well
together as a team. This was so because they had met frequently in the
weeks beforehand and had undergone joint emergency preparedness
exercises together.
This occurred in no small part because the administration of former
President George W. Bush made it a high priority. The former President
and his White House staff deserve great credit for their work during
their final months in office. By appointing his chief of staff, Joshua
Bolton, as his transition point-person and convening a formal
Transition Coordinating Council, President Bush created a successful
model for a 21st century transfer of power.
Presidential inaugurations have always been moments of celebration
for Americans, as we reaffirm the elective nature of our government.
But they also represent moments of potential vulnerability.
In the earliest years of our history, that vulnerability inhabited
the untested nature of our institutions. In an era when elected
government was rare, the transition from one executive administration
to another, particularly those between parties, brought fears of
political or social unrest.
The primary example of such a transition remains that from the
administration of John Adams to that of Thomas Jefferson, the first
between opponents of different parties to contest the Presidency.
The peaceful nature of the 1801 transition came as a welcome surprise
to some. The early American writer and novelist, Margaret Bayard Smith,
whose brother, James Bayard, held the Senate seat from Delaware I now
occupy, attended that inauguration. In a letter to her daughter, she
described it thus:

I have this morning witnessed one of the most interesting
scenes a free people can ever witness. The changes of
administration, which in every government and in every age
have most generally been epochs of confusion, villainy, and
bloodshed, in this our happy country take place without any
species of distraction or disorder.

It is also notable that the greatest political crisis in our history
occurred during the period between election day in November 1860 and
Abraham Lincoln's inauguration the following March. The States that
seceded did so amid a palpable uncertainty of national leadership.
Today, however, our concern is less with political stability than
with national security.
During the Cold War, when fears of a power vacuum caused a renewed
focus on continuity of government, Congress passed the Presidential
Transition Act of 1963. It formalized several important elements of a
successful transition, including public funds for transition staff, use
of office space and equipment from the General Services Administration,
reimbursement for travel by the President-elect and Vice President-
elect, and their use of franked mail. It was amended in 1998 to permit
the President-elect and Vice President-elect to supplement public
transition funding with private donations and laid out requirements for
disclosing their sources.
In 2004, Congress took an important step by including provisions in
the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act that allow
transition personnel to request FBI background checks for potential
appointees. This helps ensure that, on January 20 when the new
President is sworn in, the most critical national security positions
are immediately filled.
While some aspects of a successful Presidential transition process
have been formalized by these acts, much of what has become necessary
for a safe and smooth transition is still left to chance.
Fortune favors the prepared.
We were very lucky that the first transition of the post-September 11
era was carried out smoothly and with great preparation by both the
outgoing and incoming administrations.
As I said a few moments ago, we owe great thanks to former President
Bush for making this a priority and committing staff and resources to
the process.
I also commend those who worked on both the Obama transition team as
well as those from Senator McCain's campaign who engaged in some
transition planning before election day.
Most importantly, our bill will go a long way in removing the stigma
that has historically caused candidates to hide or even delay important
transition planning until after election day.
We all recognize that the first priority of any Presidential campaign
is to win the election. I certainly understand why, in the past,
candidates have been wary of revealing that they have engaged in pre-
election transition planning.
But we cannot afford to lose critical planning time because of fears
that a candidate might be accused by a rival of ``measuring the
drapes'' prematurely. We must also ensure that incumbents make the
necessary preparations in case they lose bids for reelection.
Candidate transition planning is an act of responsibility, not
presumptuousness.

[[Page 5311]]

With the security and domestic policy challenges we face today, it
must become the norm for any major party nominee to begin making
arrangements for a transition long before election day.
The bill my colleagues and I are introducing will both formalize many
of the recent transition's successes and provide additional resources
to help nominees begin their transition efforts earlier.
The Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act of 2010 encourages
eligible Presidential candidates to accept transition office space and
a broad array of services from the General Services Administration
immediately after their nominating conventions.
Presently, candidates must wait until after election day before these
resources become available. We know that this is too late, since both
campaigns in 2008, and others in recent years, began informal
transition planning months in advance.
Under our bill, salaries for candidates' transition staff, travel
expenses, and allowances are funded exclusively by separate funds
raised by their campaigns prior to the election.
Eligible candidates would be authorized to set up a separate account
to support these activities. They would be able to transfer money from
their campaign accounts into this transition account as well as raise
funds separately.
Those candidates eligible to receive GSA-provided services and access
to facilities include major party candidates. Third-party candidates
would be eligible if they met the same criteria used by the Commission
on Presidential Debates to participate in general election debates.
The GSA would distribute to candidates a report on modern
transitions, including a bibliography of resources. This report would
also be released to the public and posted on the Internet to educate
the press and public on the importance of early transition planning.
Of course, under the bill services and information to candidates
would be provided on an equal basis and without regard to political
affiliation, and they would have to be used only for transition
purposes.
Because a transition depends on the careful attention of those both
preparing to assume power and those leaving it, our bill also
authorizes appropriations for the outgoing administration to use in
planning and coordinating transition activities across departments and
agencies. It recommends adopting the Bush model of a transition
coordinating council, staffed by both outgoing appointees and career
managers from each agency. This council would meet regularly with
representatives from the major nominees and update them on transition
matters.
The bill also encourages the outgoing administration to prepare
comprehensive briefing materials for incoming officials on a range of
issues and potential areas of concern.
My colleagues and I approach this as pragmatists, and our goal is not
to tie the hands of an administration. It is to inspire responsible
preparation. This bill is not about telling an outgoing President what
to do; rather, it lays out a strongly suggested model for how to do the
right thing.
The only new requirement it sets for the outgoing President is the
submission of two reports to Congress in the months before election day
describing the activities being undertaken to prepare for the transfer
of power.
But the model it suggests has worked and can serve as a blueprint for
transitions to come.
My first job in politics after Joe Biden was elected to the Senate in
1972 was to help him set up his Senate office in Delaware. My last job,
before I was appointed to his Senate seat was as co-chair of his Vice
Presidential Transition Team.
I can tell you from experience, setting up a Senate office is tough,
but it is nothing like setting up a White House.
I was there in the room when then-President-elect Obama and Vice
President-elect Biden convened their first transition meetings right
after election day. I cannot stress more forcefully how important it
was in those meetings that the Obama-Biden transition had begun much
earlier.
There simply is not enough time between November and January to get
everything done that needs to be done.
These are the reasons why I hope my colleagues will join us in
supporting this legislation to make our presidential transitions
smoother and safer.
We cannot afford to leave something this important to chance.
Again, I want to thank my friend and colleague from Ohio, Senator
Voinovich, for his help in pulling this bill together as well as
Senators Akaka and Lieberman for their support and leadership.
I look forward to working with them on the Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee to move this measure through the
Congress.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be
printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:

S. 3196

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Pre-Election Presidential
Transition Act of 2010''.

SEC. 2. CERTAIN PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION SERVICES MAY BE
PROVIDED TO ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES BEFORE GENERAL
ELECTION.

(a) In General.--Section 3 of the Presidential Transition
Act of 1963 (3 U.S.C. 102 note) is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(h)(1)(A) In the case of an eligible candidate, the
Administrator--
``(i) shall notify the candidate of the candidate's right
to receive the services and facilities described in paragraph
(2) and shall provide with such notice a description of the
nature and scope of each such service and facility; and
``(ii) upon notification by the candidate of which such
services and facilities such candidate will accept, shall,
notwithstanding subsection (b), provide such services and
facilities to the candidate during the period beginning on
the date of the notification and ending on the date of the
general elections described in subsection (b)(1).

The Administrator shall also notify the candidate of the
services provided under sections 7601(c) and 8403(b) of the
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
``(B) The Administrator shall provide the notice under
subparagraph (A)(i) to each eligible candidate--
``(i) in the case of a candidate of a major party (as
defined in section 9002(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986), on one of the first 3 business days following the last
nominating convention for such major parties; and
``(ii) in the case of any other candidate, as soon as
practicable after an individual becomes an eligible candidate
(or, if later, at the same time as notice is provided under
clause (i)).
``(C)(i) The Administrator shall, not later than January 1
of 2012 and of every 4th year thereafter, prepare a report
summarizing modern presidential transition activities,
including a bibliography of relevant resources.
``(ii) The Administrator shall promptly make the report
under clause (i) generally available to the public (including
through electronic means) and shall include such report with
the notice provided to each eligible candidate under
subparagraph (A)(i).
``(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the
services and facilities described in this paragraph are the
services and facilities described in subsection (a) (other
than paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (7) thereof), but only to
the extent that the use of the services and facilities is for
use in connection with the eligible candidate's preparations
for the assumption of official duties as President or Vice-
President.
``(B) The Administrator--
``(i) shall determine the location of any office space
provided to an eligible candidate under this subsection;
``(ii) shall, as appropriate, ensure that any computers or
communications services provided to an eligible candidate
under this subsection are secure;
``(iii) shall offer information and other assistance to
eligible candidates on an equal basis and without regard to
political affiliation; and
``(iv) may modify the scope of any services to be provided
under this subsection to reflect that the services are
provided to eligible candidates rather than the President-
elect or Vice-President-elect, except that any such
modification must apply to all eligible candidates.
``(C) An eligible candidate, or any person on behalf of the
candidate, shall not use any

[[Page 5312]]

services or facilities provided under this subsection other
than for the purposes described in subparagraph (A), and the
candidate or the candidate's campaign shall reimburse the
Administrator for any unauthorized use of such services or
facilities.
``(3)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an
eligible candidate may establish a separate fund for the
payment of expenditures in connection with the eligible
candidate's preparations for the assumption of official
duties as President or Vice-President, including expenditures
in connection with any services or facilities provided under
this subsection (whether before such services or facilities
are available under this section or to supplement such
services or facilities when so provided). Such fund shall be
established and maintained in such manner as to qualify such
fund for purposes of section 501(c)(4) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986.
``(B)(i) The eligible candidate may--
``(I) transfer to any separate fund established under
subparagraph (A) contributions (within the meaning of section
301(8) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
431(8))) the candidate received for the general election for
President or Vice-President or payments from the Presidential
Election Campaign Fund under chapter 95 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 the candidate received for the general
election; and
``(II) solicit and accept amounts for receipt by such
separate fund.
``(ii) Any expenditures from the separate fund that are
made from such contributions or payments described in clause
(i)(I) shall be treated as expenditures (within the meaning
of section 301(9) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 431(9))) or qualified
campaign expenses (within the meaning of section 9002(11) of
such Code), whichever is applicable.
``(iii) An eligible candidate establishing a separate fund
under subparagraph (A) shall (as a condition for receiving
services and facilities described in paragraph (2)) comply
with all requirements and limitations of section 5 in
soliciting or expending amounts in the same manner as the
President-elect or Vice-President-elect, including reporting
on the transfer and expenditure of amounts described in
subparagraph (B)(i) in the disclosures required by section 5.
``(4)(A) In this subsection, the term `eligible candidate'
means, with respect to any presidential election (as defined
in section 9002(10) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986)--
``(i) a candidate of a major party (as defined in section
9002(6) of such Code) for President or Vice-President of the
United States; and
``(ii) any other candidate who has been determined by the
Administrator to be among the principle contenders for the
general election to such offices.
``(B) In making a determination under subparagraph (A)(ii),
the Administrator shall--
``(i) ensure that any candidate determined to be an
eligible candidate under such subparagraph--
``(I) meets the requirements described in Article II,
Section 1, of the United States Constitution for eligibility
to the office of President;
``(II) has qualified to have his or her name appear on the
ballots of a sufficient number of States such that the total
number of electors appointed in those States is greater than
50 percent of the total number of electors appointed in all
of the States; and
``(III) has demonstrated a significant level of public
support in national public opinion polls, so as to be
realistically considered among the principal contenders for
President or Vice-President of the United States; and
``(ii) consider whether other national organizations have
recognized the candidate as being among the principal
contenders for the general election to such offices,
including whether the Commission on Presidential Debates has
determined that the candidate is eligible to participate in
the candidate debates for the general election to such
offices.''.
(b) Administrator Required To Provide Technology
Coordination Upon Request.--Section 3(a)(10) of the
Presidential Transition Act of 1963 (3 U.S.C. 102 note) is
amended to read as follows:
``(10) Notwithstanding subsection (b), consultation by the
Administrator with any President-elect, Vice-President-elect,
or eligible candidate (as defined in subsection (h)(4)) to
develop a systems architecture plan for the computer and
communications systems of the candidate to coordinate a
transition to Federal systems if the candidate is elected.''.
(c) Coordination With Other Transition Services.--
(1) Security clearances.--Section 7601(c) of the
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (50
U.S.C. 435b note) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting:
``(1) Definition.--In this section, the term `eligible
candidate' has the meaning given such term by section 3(h)(4)
of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 (3 U.S.C. 102
note).'', and
(B) by striking ``major party candidate'' in paragraph (2)
and inserting ``eligible candidate''.
(2) Presidentially appointed positions.--Section
8403(b)(2)(B) of such Act (5 U.S.C. 1101 note) is amended to
read as follows:
``(B) Other candidates.--After making transmittals under
subparagraph (B), the Office of Personnel Management shall
transmit such electronic record to any other candidate for
President who is an eligible candidate described in section
3(h)(4)(B) of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 (3
U.S.C. 102 note) and may transmit such electronic record to
any other candidate for President.''.
(d) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3 of the Presidential
Transition Act of 1963 (3 U.S.C. 102 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(8)(B), by striking ``President-
elect'' and inserting ``President-elect or eligible candidate
(as defined in subsection (h)(4)) for President''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by inserting ``, or eligible
candidate (as defined in subsection (h)(4)) for President or
Vice-President,'' before ``may designate''.

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSITION ACTIVITIES BY THE
OUTGOING ADMINISTRATION.

(a) In General.--The President of the United States, or the
President's delegate, may take such actions as the President
determines necessary and appropriate to plan and coordinate
activities by the Executive branch of the Federal Government
to facilitate an efficient transfer of power to a successor
President, including--
(1) the establishment and operation of a transition
coordinating council comprised of--
(A) high-level officials of the Executive branch selected
by the President, which may include the Chief of Staff to the
President, any Cabinet officer, the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget, the Administrator of the General
Services Administration, and the Director of the Office of
Personnel Management, and
(B) any other persons the President determines appropriate;
(2) the establishment and operation of an agency transition
directors council which includes career employees designated
to lead transition efforts within Executive Departments or
agencies;
(3) the development of guidance to Executive Departments
and agencies regarding briefing materials for an incoming
administration, and the development of such materials; and
(4) the development of computer software, publications,
contingency plans, issue memoranda, memoranda of
understanding, training and exercises (including crisis
training and exercises), programs, lessons learned from
previous transitions, and other items appropriate for
improving the effectiveness and efficiency of a Presidential
transition that may be disseminated to eligible candidates
(as defined in section 3(h)(4) of the Presidential Transition
Act of 1963, as added by section 2(a)) and to the President-
elect and Vice-President-elect.

Any information and other assistance to eligible candidates
under this subsection shall be offered on an equal basis and
without regard to political affiliation.
(b) Reports.--
(1) In general.--The President of the United States, or the
President's delegate, shall provide to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate reports describing the
activities undertaken by the President and the Executive
Departments and agencies to prepare for the transfer of power
to a new President.
(2) Timing.--The reports under paragraph (1) shall be
provided six months and three months before the date of the
general election for the Office of President of the United
States.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
the provisions of this section.

Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, every 4 to 8 years our country achieves
a feat that is very much the exception to the rule when placed in the
context of the long roll of history: through universal suffrage the
people select a new president, and the president-elect assumes power in
a peaceful manner.
It is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of past
presidents, presidents-elect, civil servants and private citizens that
this latter task, the presidential transition, is now seen by many
Americans as routine; a new president is selected in November, and in
January, he or she swaps places with the incumbent president. Life goes
on as normal.
Of course, the task of transferring command of an organization with
more than 5 million employees and a $3.7 trillion annual budget is a
bit more complex than our recent successful track record may suggest.
Domestic and international threats further complicate this process.
Perhaps more than any of its counterparts, the Bush-Obama transition

[[Page 5313]]

was dealt the longest odds for attaining the uneventful standard our
country has come to expect from transfers of power. As my colleagues
well know, the Bush-Obama transition was the first of the modern era to
occur during wartime, and the first to follow a general election in
which the incumbent president or vice-president did not vie for the
presidency. The Bush-Obama transition was also the first to occur in
the post-September 11th world, and the first since the largest
reorganization of government in over 6 decades. As the candidates
entered the last week of the campaign season, the second worst month in
the history for the Standard & Poor's 500 was drawing to a close after
that index had plunged 27 percent in 4 weeks' time.
These challenges would be more than enough for any well-disciplined
transition effort to confront. Yet in January 2010, shortly before the
anniversary of President Obama's inauguration, the American public
learned through press accounts of still another threat confronted by
the outgoing and incoming administrations. In the days preceding the
Presidential Inauguration, intelligence reports surfaced that al-
Shabaab, a Somali terrorist organization with ties to al-Qaeda, was
planning an attack on the crowds that would gather to witness the
administration of the oath of office to the 44th President of the U.S.
The threat was taken so seriously that the Secretary of Defense did not
attend the inaugural ceremonies in order to ensure continuity of the
Nation's national security apparatus.
Fortunately this plot did not materialize. But threats like these
emphasize the importance of a new president being ready to govern from
day one.
Despite the challenges faced by the Bush-Obama transition, this most
recent transfer of power most closely approached our transition ideal.
Both the President and President-elect understood the gravity of the
tasks before them, and undertook early and robust planning efforts.
President Bush began preparing his administration for the transition
earlier than any other presidency when he directed then White House
Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten in late 2007 to ensure ``that the
transition is as effective as possible, especially in the national
security area.'' For his part, President-elect Obama established the
largest transition organization to date. At its peak, the Obama-Biden
Transition Project's staff numbered 450, with a total budget of more
than $12 million, $7 million of which came from private contributions.
In many ways, this most recent transition effort was the best case
scenario. The transition succeeded because of the character and values
of those tasked with leading the effort, individuals like Gail
Lovelace, Joshua Bolten, Clay Johnson, John Podesta, and Christopher
Lu.
But for critical events like a presidential transition, we cannot
always be assured that such productive organizations and working
relationships will develop. One need look no further than the
acrimonious relationship between the outgoing Clinton administration
and the incoming Bush administration, or the internal dissension in
President-elect Carter's transition team, to find examples of
dysfunctional transitions.
Of course, presidential personalities and uncontrollable
circumstances will always be a driving factor in the success of future
presidential transitions. But we in Congress can contribute to future
successes by providing sufficient assistance and formal avenues to more
robust transition planning, and by working to address the stigma that
has unfortunately been associated with so-called ``presumptuous''
transition planning before the general election.
As my colleagues know, the formal mechanisms used by the federal
government to transfer power were established in March 1964 with
enactment of the Presidential Transition Act, PTA. The Presidential
Transition Act of 1963 extends certain government services to the
president-elect, including staff salaries, travel expenses, office
space, postal reimbursement, and communications equipment. With the
exception of substantive amendments in 2000 to provide for a transition
directory and activities designed to ``acquaint key prospective
Presidential appointees with the types of problems and challenges that
most typically confront new political appointees,'' and a provision of
the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to provide
for expedited security clearances for transition team members and
prospective presidential appointees, the architecture our country uses
to achieve a successful transition remains largely the same almost a
half-century on.
So I am pleased to today join the distinguished junior Senator from
Delaware, Senator Edward Kaufman, in introducing legislation to
contribute to the future success of presidential transitions. Prior to
returning to the U.S. Senate as a Member, Senator Kaufman served as one
of the Obama-Biden Transition Project's twelve board members, where he
gained first-hand experience in the challenges associated with
transitioning the Federal Government.
I am happy to also be joined by two of the U.S. Senate's most ardent
champions of good governance: the Chairman and of the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Senator Joseph Lieberman,
and my longtime friend and colleague on the Subcommittee on Oversight
of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of
Columbia, Senator Daniel Akaka.
The Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act of 2010 would extend to
the major party candidates and certain third-party candidates a select
list of the services currently provided to the president-elect under
the PTA. These benefits include office space, communications services,
printing and binding expenses, and briefings and workshops designed to
acquaint key potential administration staff with the problems and
challenges they are likely to face. The bill would also provide
candidates with assistance from the General Services Administration in
designing systems architecture compatible with federal systems.
To encourage more deliberate transition preparation in the executive
branch, the Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act also authorizes
funding for the establishment of a transition coordinating council and
an agency transition directors council modeled on the coordinating
bodies that functioned so successfully during the Bush-Obama
transition. The assistance extended to the candidates by these
authorized functions would be provided on the same terms as those
employed during the last transition, on an equal basis and without
regard to a candidate's political affiliation. The bill would also
require the President, or the President's designee, to report to
Congress in presidential election years on the preparations being made
to ensure a smooth transition.
We in Congress cannot, and should not, dictate the roles and
decision-making processes employed by the outgoing and incoming
administrations; as a former mayor and governor, I know how fluid and
dynamic transfers of power can be. So I am especially pleased that
Senator Kaufman's bill is not prescriptive. Rather, the Pre-Election
Presidential Transition Act provides assistance that candidates can
reject or accept at their discretion, and the authorized activities
included in the bill for coordinating bodies in the executive branch
respect separation of powers issues by allowing, but not requiring, the
use of these best practices.
Perhaps most importantly, the Pre-Election Presidential Transition
Act provides valuable transition assistance to candidates at an earlier
time than ever before. Regardless of the various unique obstacles a
president-elect faces, each transition since the Nixon administration
has been provided formal assistance for a very short period of time--76
days during the most recent transition. Of course, candidates can begin
preparing for the transition before the general election. But in the
home stretch of a presidential election, every spare dollar and body
are employed to help the candidate win, and preparing to govern often
falls by the wayside.
Senator Kaufman's bill will contribute to earlier, more robust
transition planning by providing candidates with the means, the
architecture, and

[[Page 5314]]

the sanction associated with an equitable and impartial assistance
mechanism to combat unfortunate dispersions of the transition planning
process, like the comments directed at then Senator Obama's transition
activities during the campaign.
Candidates taking deliberate steps to ensure a smooth transition
should not be criticized as presumptuously ``measuring the White House
drapes'' before the election; they should be encouraged and supported.
The Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act seeks to achieve that
goal.
I urge my colleagues to join in supporting the Pre-Election
Presidential Transition Act.

____________________

SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

______

SENATE RESOLUTION 478--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR DESIGNATION OF MARCH AS
``NATIONAL WHOLE CHILD MONTH''

Mrs. HAGAN submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:

S. Res. 478

Whereas each student should be able to enter school healthy
and learn about and practice a healthy lifestyle;
Whereas, according to the Institute of Medicine of the
National Academies, the percentage of overweight children
ages 6 to 11 years has doubled and the number of overweight
adolescents has tripled over the last 2 decades;
Whereas each student should be able to learn in an
intellectually challenging environment that is physically and
emotionally safe;
Whereas according to the Indicators of School Crime and
Safety report of 2009, 32 percent of middle and high school
students reported being bullied during the 2007 school year;
Whereas each student should be able to be actively engaged
in learning and connected to the school and broader
community;
Whereas a study on high school student engagement conducted
by the Center for Evaluation & Education Policy at the
Indiana University School of Education found that half of
high school students feel they are an important part of their
school community;
Whereas each student deserves access to personalized
learning and to be supported by qualified, caring adults;
Whereas the Indiana University study found that more than
20 percent of students reported that there is no adult at
their school who cares about them and knows them well;
Whereas each graduate deserves to be challenged
academically and prepared for success in college or further
study and for employment in a global economy;
Whereas according to the most recently published
information from the Condition of Education on the
availability of advanced courses in high schools in United
States, more than 25 percent of students do not have access
to a single advanced course in mathematics, English, science,
or foreign language in their high school;
Whereas another student drops out every 9 seconds in the
United States;
Whereas the objective of the ASCD whole child approach to
education ensures that every child is healthy, safe, engaged,
supported, and challenged; and
Whereas March would be an appropriate month to designate as
``National Whole Child Month'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports the designation of March as ``National Whole
Child Month'';
(2) recognizes that ensuring all children are healthy,
safe, engaged, supported, and challenged is a national
priority; and
(3) encourages parents, educators, and community members to
support and provide a whole child approach to education for
each student.

____________________

AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND PROPOSED

SA 3720. Mr. McCAIN submitted an amendment intended to be
proposed by him to the bill H.R. 4851, to provide a temporary
extension of certain programs, and for other purposes; which
was ordered to lie on the table.
SA 3721. Mr. BAUCUS proposed an amendment to the bill H.R.
4851, supra.
SA 3722. Mr. BROWN of Ohio (for Mrs. Feinstein) proposed an
amendment to the bill S. 1749, to amend title 18, United
States Code, to prohibit the possession or use of cell phones
and similar wireless devices by Federal prisoners.

____________________

TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

At the appropriate place insert the following:

SEC. ___. POINT OF ORDER ON LEGISLATION THAT IMPOSES A VALUE-
ADDED TAX.

(a) In General.--It shall not be in order in the Senate to
consider any bill, resolution, amendment between Houses,
motion, or conference report that would cause the imposition
of a value-added tax.
(b) Supermajority Waiver and Appeal.--
(1) Waiver.--This section may be waived or suspended in the
Senate only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the
Members, duly chosen and sworn.
(2) Appeal.--An affirmative vote of three-fifths of the
Members, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required in the
Senate to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a
point of order raised under this section.
______

SA 3721. Mr. BAUCUS proposed an amendment to the bill H.R. 4851, to
provide a temporary extension of certain programs, and for other
purposes; as follows:

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Continuing Extension Act of
2010''.

SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROVISIONS.

SEC. 3. EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF PREMIUM ASSISTANCE FOR
COBRA BENEFITS.

SEC. 4. INCREASE IN THE MEDICARE PHYSICIAN PAYMENT UPDATE.

Paragraph (10) of section 1848(d) of the Social Security
Act, as added by section 1011(a) of the Department of Defense
Appropriations

[[Page 5315]]

Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-118) and as amended by section 5 of
the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-144), is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``March 31, 2010'' and
inserting ``May 31, 2010''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``April 1, 2010'' and
inserting ``June 1, 2010''.

SEC. 5. EHR CLARIFICATION.

SEC. 6. EXTENSION OF USE OF 2009 POVERTY GUIDELINES.

SEC. 7. EXTENSION OF NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.

SEC. 8. COMPENSATION AND RATIFICATION OF AUTHORITY RELATED TO
LAPSE IN HIGHWAY PROGRAMS.

(a) Compensation for Federal Employees.--Any Federal
employees furloughed as a result of the lapse in expenditure
authority from the Highway Trust Fund after 11:59 p.m. on
February 28, 2010, through March 2, 2010, shall be
compensated for the period of that lapse at their standard
rates of compensation, as determined under policies
established by the Secretary of Transportation.
(b) Ratification of Essential Actions.--All actions taken
by Federal employees, contractors, and grantees for the
purposes of maintaining the essential level of Government
operations, services, and activities to protect life and
property and to bring about orderly termination of Government
functions during the lapse in expenditure authority from the
Highway Trust Fund after 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2010,
through March 2, 2010, are hereby ratified and approved if
otherwise in accord with the provisions of the Continuing
Appropriations Resolution, 2010 (division B of Public Law
111-68).
(c) Funding.--Funds used by the Secretary to compensate
employees described in subsection (a) shall be derived from
funds previously authorized out of the Highway Trust Fund and
made available or limited to the Department of Transportation
by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-
117) and shall be subject to the obligation limitations
established in such Act.
(d) Expenditures From Highway Trust Fund.--To permit
expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund to effectuate the
purposes of this section, this section shall be deemed to be
a section of the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010
(division B of Public Law 111-68), as in effect on the date
of the enactment of the last amendment to such Resolution.

SEC. 9. SATELLITE TELEVISION EXTENSION.

SEC. 10. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

SA 3722. Mr. BROWN of Ohio (for Mrs. Feinstein) proposed an amendment
to the bill S. 1749, to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit
the possession or use of cell phones and similar wireless devices by
Federal prisoners; as follows:

At the end of the bill, insert the following:

SEC. ___. GAO STUDY.

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to
Congress with research and findings on the following issues:
(1) A study of telephone rates within State and Federal
prisons and jails to include information on interstate,
intrastate and collect calls made by prisoners, including--
(A) the costs of operating inmate telephone services;
(B) the revenue obtained from inmate telephone systems;
(C) how the revenue from these systems is used by State
governments and the Bureau of Prisons; and
(D) recommendations to lower telephone costs to inmates and
their families, while still maintaining sufficient security.
(2) A study of State and Federal efforts to prevent the
smuggling of cell phones and other wireless devices into
prisons and jails, including efforts that State and Federal
authorities are making to minimize trafficking of cell phones
by guards and other prison officials and recommendations to
reduce the number of cell phones that are trafficked into
prisons and jails.
(3) A study of cell phone use by inmates in State and
Federal prisons and jails, including--
(A) the cost that inmates pay for cell phones trafficked
into prisons;
(B) the quantity of cell phones that are located in State
and Federal prisons and jails; and
(C) the quantity of illegal activity that is conducted or
facilitated as a result of inmate cell phone use.

____________________

NOTICES OF HEARINGS

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I would like to announce for the
information of the Senate and the public that a hearing has been
scheduled before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
The hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at 10 a.m., in
room SD-366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on carbon capture
and sequestration legislation, including S. 1856, S. 1134, and other
draft legislative text.
Because of the limited time available for the hearing, witnesses may
testify by invitation only. However, those wishing to submit written
testimony for the hearing record may do so by sending it to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate,
Washington, D.C. 20510-6150, or by e-mail to Rosemarie_Calabro@energy.
senate.gov.
For further information, please contact Allyson Anderson at (202)
224-7143 or Rosemarie Calabro at (202) 224-5039.

COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I wish to announce that the Committee on
Rules and Administration will meet on Thursday, April 15, 2010, at 10
a.m. to hear testimony on the nomination of Stephen T. Ayers to be
Architect of the Capitol for the term of 10 years.
For further information regarding this hearing, please contact Lynden
Armstrong at the Rules and Administration Committee on 202-224-6352.

[[Page 5316]]

____________________

AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET

Committee on Foreign Relations

Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session
of the Senate on April 13, 2010, at 2:15 p.m.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be authorized to
meet, during the session of the Senate, to conduct a hearing entitled
``ESEA Reauthorization: School Turnaround'' on April 13, 2010. The
hearing will commence at 2 p.m. in room 430 of the Dirksen Senate
Office Building.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations

Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet during the
session of the Senate on April 13, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a
hearing entitled, ``Wall Street and the Financial Crisis: The Role of
High Risk Home Loans.''
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Select Committee on Intelligence

Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Select Committee on Intelligence be authorized to meet during the
session of the Senate on April 13, 2010, at 2:30 p.m.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Subcommittee on Airland

Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Subcommittee on Airland of the Committee on Armed Services be
authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on April 13, 2010,
at 9:30 a.m.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information,
Federal Service, and International Security

Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs' Subcommittee
on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal
Services, and International Security be authorized to meet during the
session of the Senate on April 13, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a
hearing entitled, ``Removing the Shroud of Secrecy: Making Government
More Transparent and Accountable Part II.''
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Impeachment Trial Committee

Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles against Judge G. Thomas
Porteous, Jr. be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on
April 13, 2010, at 4 p.m.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

____________________

CELL PHONE CONTRABAND ACT OF 2010

Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 269, S. 1749.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

A bill (S. 1749) to amend title 18, United States Code, to
prohibit the possession or use of cell phones and similar
wireless devices by Federal prisoners.

There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill
which had been reported from the Committee on the Judiciary with
amendments; as follows:
(The parts of the bill intended to be stricken are shown in boldface
brackets and the parts of the bill intended to be inserted are shown in
italic.)

S. 1749

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Cell Phone Contraband Act of
[2009]2010''.

SEC. 2. WIRELESS DEVICES IN PRISON.

Section [1971]1791 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or (d)(1)(E)'' and
inserting ``, (d)(1)(E), or (d)(1)(F)''; and
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``(d)(1)(F)'' and
inserting ``(d)(1)(G)''; and
(2) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G);
and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
``(F) a phone or other device used by a user of commercial
mobile service (as defined in section 332(d) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d))) in connection
with such service; and''.

Mr. BROWN of Ohio. I ask unanimous consent the committee-reported
amendments be agreed to, that the Feinstein amendment which is at the
desk be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be read a third time and
passed, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no
intervening action or debate, and any statements be printed in the
Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The committee amendments were agreed to.
The amendment (No. 3722) was agreed to, as follows:

(Purpose: To require a GAO study of cell phone use in prisons)

At the end of the bill, insert the following:

SEC. ___. GAO STUDY.

The bill (S. 1749), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows:

S. 1749

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Cell Phone Contraband Act of
2010''.

SEC. 2. WIRELESS DEVICES IN PRISON.

Section 1791 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or (d)(1)(E)'' and
inserting ``, (d)(1)(E), or (d)(1)(F)''; and
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``(d)(1)(F)'' and
inserting ``(d)(1)(G)''; and
(2) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G);
and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
``(F) a phone or other device used by a user of commercial
mobile service (as defined in section 332(d) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d))) in connection
with such service; and''.

SEC. 3. GAO STUDY.

[[Page 5317]]

(B) the revenue obtained from inmate telephone systems;
(C) how the revenue from these systems is used by State
governments and the Bureau of Prisons; and
(D) recommendations to lower telephone costs to inmates and
their families, while still maintaining sufficient security.
(2) A study of State and Federal efforts to prevent the
smuggling of cell phones and other wireless devices into
prisons and jails, including efforts that State and Federal
authorities are making to minimize trafficking of cell phones
by guards and other prison officials and recommendations to
reduce the number of cell phones that are trafficked into
prisons and jails.
(3) A study of cell phone use by inmates in State and
Federal prisons and jails, including--
(A) the cost that inmates pay for cell phones trafficked
into prisons;
(B) the quantity of cell phones that are located in State
and Federal prisons and jails; and
(C) the quantity of illegal activity that is conducted or
facilitated as a result of inmate cell phone use.

____________________

CALL TO UGANDA TO REJECT THE PROPOSED ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL

Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 344, S.
Res. 409.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:

A resolution (S. Res. 409) calling on members of the
Parliament in Uganda to reject the proposed ``Anti-
Homosexuality Bill,'' and for other purposes.

There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed
to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon
the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements be
printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 409) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

S. Res. 409

Whereas a bill introduced on October 14, 2009, by a member
of Parliament in Uganda would expand penalties for
homosexuality to include the death penalty and requires
citizens to report information about homosexuality to the
police or face imprisonment;
Whereas many countries criminalize homosexuality, and in
some countries, such as Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and
Sudan, the penalty for homosexuality includes the death
penalty;
Whereas the United States, in seeking to promote the core
American principles of equality and ``Life, Liberty, and the
pursuit of Happiness,'' has long championed the universality
of human rights;
Whereas religious leaders in the United States, along with
representatives from the Vatican and the Anglican Church,
have stated that laws criminalizing homosexuality are unjust;
and
Whereas the people and Government of the United States
recognize that such laws undermine our commitment to
combating HIV/AIDS globally through the President's Emergency
Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) by stigmatizing and
criminalizing vulnerable communities: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) calls on members of the Parliament in Uganda to reject
the ``Anti-Homosexuality Bill'' recently proposed in that
country;
(2) urges the governments of all countries to reject and
repeal similar criminalization laws; and
(3) encourages the Secretary of State to closely monitor
human rights abuses that occur because of sexual orientation
and to encourage the repeal or reform of laws such as the
proposed ``Anti-Homosexuality Bill'' in Uganda that permit
such abuses.

____________________

ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2010

Mr. BROWN of Ohio. I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate
completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday,
April 14; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of
proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired,
the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the
day, and the Senate then observe a moment of silence in solidarity with
the people of Poland; that following the moment of silence, the Senate
proceed to a period of morning business with Senators permitted to
speak on the topic of Poland; that following those statements, there be
a period of morning business for 1 hour with Senators permitted to
speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the Republicans
controlling the first 30 minutes and the majority controlling the final
30 minutes; that following morning business, the Senate resume
consideration of H.R. 4851, the Continuing Extension Act, as provided
for under the previous order.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Before finalizing the end of the day, I would add
that in support of this resolution we will discuss tomorrow, in 1991,
working for Ohio State University, I spent some time in Poland working
with their government to transition from communism to democracy. And my
friend Tomaz, who is a Polish academician, later rose to be the
Minister of Culture in Poland. He was on that plane. I miss him. I had
not seen him in years. But I miss him and the contribution he made to
Poland and to our country in the work we did together on cultural
issues, and certainly support this moment of silence and ask that we
all remember the terrible thing that happened to so many of the leaders
in Poland and what that means for how we have to come together and
assist that country as it moves forward in another crisis that the
great 38 million people of Poland face day after day.

____________________

PROGRAM

Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, when the Senate convenes tomorrow,
we will observe a moment of silence to express the Senate's solidarity
with the people of Poland.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of
the Continuing Extensions Act. Under a previous order, if a point of
order is raised against the pending Baucus amendment, then at 12:30
p.m. the Senate will proceed to a rollcall vote on the motion to waive
the applicable point of order.

____________________

ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. TOMORROW

Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, if there is no further business to
come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it adjourn under
the previous order.
There being no objection, the Senate, at 7:12 p.m., adjourned until
Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 9:30 a.m.

[[Page 5318]]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES--Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The House met at 2 p.m. and was called to order by the Speaker pro
tempore (Mr. Jackson of Illinois).

____________________

DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following
communication from the Speaker:

Washington, DC,

April 13, 2010.
I hereby appoint the Honorable Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. to act
as Speaker pro tempore on this day.
Nancy Pelosi,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.

____________________

PRAYER

Reverend Dr. Alan Keiran, Office of the Chaplain, United States
Senate, offered the following prayer:
Lord of the nations and King of all kings, You alone deserve our
worship, You alone are the most high God. Heavenly Father, You ask us
to trust in You with all our heart and lean not on our own
understanding; and in all our ways to acknowledge You. And in so doing,
You promise to make our paths straight. That is why we call on Your
Mighty Name today, Lord God.
Many are looking for straight paths but cannot find them. Grant them
grace to seek and find Your path to a meaningful life. Show right paths
to Your every Member of this body so they may skillfully and cheerfully
labor for the good of all.
May You, Lord, have mercy on those in harm's way and their families.
Meet those in lonely places and comfort them with Your amazing grace.
I pray in the Name that is above all names. Amen.

____________________

THE JOURNAL

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair has examined the Journal of the
last day's proceedings and announces to the House his approval thereof.
Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

____________________

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the gentlewoman from California (Ms.
Chu) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. CHU led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

____________________

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE

The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following
communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives:

Office of the Clerk,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, March 26, 2010.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
The Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Madam Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in
clause 2(h) of rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of
Representatives, the Clerk received the following message
from the Secretary of the Senate on March 26, 2010 at 12:30
p.m.:
That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 4957.
With best wishes, I am
Sincerely,
Lorraine C. Miller,
Clerk of the House.

____________________

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE

The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following
communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives:

Office of the Clerk,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, March 26, 2010.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
The Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Madam Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in
Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of
Representatives, the Clerk received the following message
from the Secretary of the Senate on March 26, 2010 at 4:09
p.m.:
That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 4621.
That the Senate passed with amendments H.R. 4573.
That the Senate agreed to without amendment H.J. Res. 80.
That the Senate passed S. 3162.
That the Senate passed S. 3191.
With best wishes, I am
Sincerely,
Lorraine C. Miller,
Clerk of the House.

____________________

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE

The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following
communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives:

Office of the Clerk,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, April 12, 2010.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
The Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Madam Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in
Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of
Representatives, the Clerk received the following message
from the Secretary of the Senate on April 12, 2010 at 3:11
p.m.:
Notifying the House of the filing of the answer by G.
Thomas Porteous Jr., District Judge for the Eastern District
of Louisiana, and providing a copy of his answer to the House
of Representatives.
With best wishes, I am
Sincerely,
Lorraine C. Miller,
Clerk of the House.

____________________

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE

The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following
communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives:

Office of the Clerk,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, April 13, 2010.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
The Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Madam Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in
Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of
Representatives, the Clerk received the following message
from the Secretary of the Senate on April 13, 2010 at 9:50
a.m.:
That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 4887.
With best wishes, I am
Sincerely,
Lorraine C. Miller,
Clerk of the House.

____________________

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 4 of rule I, the
following enrolled bills and joint resolution were signed by the
Speaker on Friday, March 26, 2010:
H.R. 4872, to provide for reconciliation pursuant to Title II of the
concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010 (S. Con. Res.
13);
H.R. 4957, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the
funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund,
to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the
airport improvement program, and for other purposes;
H.R. 4938, to permit the use of previously appropriated funds to
extend the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, and for other
purposes;

[[Page 5319]]

S. 3186, to reauthorize the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and
Reauthorization Act of 2004 through April 30, 2010, and for other
purposes; and the Speaker signed on Thursday, March 29, 2010:
H.J. Res. 80, recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans
Association on its 65th anniversary of representing blinded veterans
and their families;
H.R. 4621, to protect the integrity of the constitutionally mandated
United States census and prohibit deceptive mail practices that attempt
to exploit the decennial census.

____________________

COMMUNICATION FROM THE HONORABLE GREGORY W. MEEKS, MEMBER OF CONGRESS

The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following
communication from the Honorable Gregory W. Meeks, Member of Congress:

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, March 30, 2010.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Madam Speaker: This is to notify you formally,
pursuant to rule VIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, that my district office has been served with
a subpoena for documents issued by the U.S. District Court
for the Southern District of New York.
After consultation with counsel, I have determined that
compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the
privileges and rights of the House.
Sincerely,
Gregory W. Meeks,
Member of Congress.

____________________

COMMUNICATION FROM THE HONORABLE THOMAS J. ROONEY, MEMBER OF CONGRESS

The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following
communication from the Honorable Thomas J. Rooney, Member of Congress:

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, April 5, 2010.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Madam Speaker: This is to notify you formally,
pursuant to rule VIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, that I have been served with a subpoena for
documents issued by the Circuit Court for St. Lucie County,
Florida, in connection with a civil case pending there.
After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, I
have determined that compliance with the subpoena is
consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Rooney,
Member of Congress.

____________________

REPEAL AND REPLACE RALLIES

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over the past 2 weeks I
have heard about the job-killing effect the recently passed government
health care takeover will have from concerned citizens across South
Carolina. I've heard from small business owners, the primary providers
of jobs in America, how they will face a $2,000 fine for each employee
without insurance. I've heard from seniors who are afraid that their
former employers will drop their drug benefits. I've heard from people
currently looking for work that the creation of 16,500 new IRS agents
isn't what they had in mind when it came to job creation. And I've
heard from just about everyone about the concern that their insurance
premiums will rise dramatically.
The message I bring back from South Carolinians is clear: repeal the
job-killing takeover and replace it with an affordable solution that is
centered around the patient and not the government, the SWAP bill.
In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget
September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. Best wishes for the
success of the Heritage Golf Classic at Hilton Head Island, South
Carolina.

____________________

SUPPORT FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM

(Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, during the recess, I spent 3
nights with residents of the Seventh Congressional District at three
town hall meetings in Oak Park, Illinois; River Forest, Illinois;
Forest Park, Illinois, and last evening, Westchester. Overwhelmingly,
all of the individuals who were present extolled the virtues of the
health reform legislation that was passed. And I was vindicated because
I voted for it. So I want to thank the residents of my congressional
district, because we were on the same page.

____________________

AMERICANS SAY MEDIA BIAS IS BIGGER PROBLEM THAN CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

(Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Americans continue to see the
national media as too biased, too liberal, and too powerful. By almost
a two-to-one margin, Americans say that media bias is a bigger problem
in politics today than big campaign contributions, according to a new
Rasmussen public opinion poll. By a three-to-one margin, Americans
describe the average reporter as more liberal than they are rather than
more conservative. And almost seven out of ten Americans believe the
news media have too much power and influence over government decisions.
Other recent polls have shown similar results.
If the national media want to restore Americans' trust, they should
report the facts, not tell the people what to think.

____________________

TAX FAIRNESS

(Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to address
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, tax day is a dreaded deadline
for millions of Americans. But according to the Associated Press, for
nearly half of the U.S. households it is simply somebody else's
problem. This April, 47 percent of Americans will pay no Federal income
tax at all. According to a new report, the top 10 percent of earners
will pay roughly 73 percent of the income taxes collected by the
Federal Government. That is just not fair.
Being an American is a privilege, not a right. Out of fairness,
everyone should have to pay some tax, even if it is just a buck a
month, to help pay to live in this great democracy. By pushing more and
more people off the tax rolls and having just a few foot the bill for
the many, we are punishing hard work, thrift, and sacrifice.
This is America, where prosperity and helping your fellow man should
mean more than just paying your neighbors' taxes. It's about fairness
and freedom.

____________________

SYMPATHIES TO THE UPPER BIG BRANCH MINERS

(Mrs. CAPITO asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my deepest
sympathies to the 29 victims of the Upper Big Branch mine explosion,
their families, loved ones, and their community. Last Monday's tragedy
occurred in Montcoal, West Virginia, and it was the worst mine disaster
in over 40 years. It has been gut-wrenching for our entire State.
In the wake of this horrific tragedy, the citizens of West Virginia,
including our outstanding emergency and rescue workers, and our
Governor, pulled together to support the communities and families
devastated by this explosion. As we grieve this loss of life, we must
also honor the victims of the accident by taking the appropriate steps
to ensure that this never happens again. Never again in West Virginia
or in any other State can we let safety slip through the cracks. We
will not let this happen again.
Now is the time to band together and do everything we can to protect
our

[[Page 5320]]

citizens. I hope you will join me in praising our miners for the
difficult and dangerous work that they do, and I ask that you keep all
of the workers, their families, and their communities in your thoughts
and prayers.

____________________

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair
will postpone further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules
on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, or on which
the vote incurs objection under clause 6 of rule XX.
Record votes on postponed questions will be taken after 6:30 p.m.
today.

____________________

SUPPORTING NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1222) supporting the goals and ideals of National
Library Week.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:

H. Res. 1222

Whereas the Nation's school, academic, public, and special
libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of
people in the United States, today, more than ever;
Whereas librarians are trained professionals, helping
people of all ages and backgrounds find and interpret the
information they need to live, learn, and work in a
challenging economy;
Whereas libraries are part of the American Dream, places
for opportunity, education, self-help, and lifelong learning;
Whereas according to a December 2008 National Center for
Education Statistics (NCES) report, public library use
increased to 1,400,000,000 visits nationwide during fiscal
year 2006, among all types of library users, continuing a
long term trend of increased library usage;
Whereas libraries play a vital role in supporting the
quality of life in their communities;
Whereas libraries help people of all ages discover a world
of knowledge, both in person and online, as well as provide
personal service and assistance in finding needed
information;
Whereas libraries are a key player in the national
discourse on intellectual freedom and equity of access;
Whereas libraries are narrowing the ``digital divide'', by
providing no-fee public computer and Internet access to
accommodate the growing need for access to digital and online
information, including e-government, continuing education,
and employment opportunities;
Whereas in 71 percent of communities, libraries have the
only no-fee public computers; and
Whereas libraries, librarians, library workers, and
supporters across the United States will celebrate National
Library Week, April 11-17, 2010: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Library Week;
(2) encourages all residents to visit a library to take
advantage of the wonderful library resources available, and
to thank their librarians and library workers for making
information accessible to all who walk through the library's
doors; and
(3) supports librarians' efforts to ensure that all
Americans can continue to access 21st century library
services in school, public, academic, and special libraries.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Chu) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.

General Leave

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House
Resolution 1222 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
I rise today in support of House Resolution 1222, which encourages
all Americans to take advantage of the numerous resources libraries
make available. Across the country, libraries help develop communities
by bringing people of all nationalities, ages, and socioeconomic
backgrounds together to enjoy the pleasures of literature, media, and
new technology. Libraries foster national discourse on intellectual
freedom, and provide informational equity across the Nation. Libraries
not only provide free resources to adults and children, but they also
preserve historical artifacts and information, highlighting societal
achievements.
Today we have nearly 123,000 libraries nationwide playing a vital
role in creating vibrant, energized communities. Our very own Library
of Congress sponsors the annual National Book Festival. Authors,
illustrators, and poets gather at the Nation's Capitol to promote
reading and literacy in all 50 States.

{time} 1415

In fact, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama helped sponsor
this event as honorary chairs. Last September, the annual National Book
Festival was a huge success. With 80 best-selling authors and over
1,000 volunteers, scores of people gathered to promote reading to
children.
The Library of Congress is also a great resource for the public. As
the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress holds more
than 120 million items on approximately 530 miles of bookshelves. The
collections include more than 18 million books, 2.5 million recordings,
12 million photographs, 4.5 million maps, and 54 million manuscripts.
National Library Week continues to commend librarians who help the
public interpret the information they need to live, learn, and navigate
their way into today's challenging and complicated economy. By
providing free educational opportunities and a safe place for lifelong
learning, libraries help people to explore their curiosities and to
foster community involvement in education.
I want to thank Representative Ehlers for his leadership and for
bringing this important resolution forward.
Again, I want to extend my gratitude towards libraries for their work
in our communities, and I ask my colleagues to support this important
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1222,
supporting the goals and ideals of National Library Week. I also would
like to associate my remarks with the gentlewoman from California.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national
observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries
across the country each year in April. It is a time to celebrate the
contributions of our Nation's libraries and librarians and to promote
library use and support.
In 1957, the National Book Committee developed a plan for National
Library Week based on the idea that, once people were motivated to
read, they would support and use libraries. With cooperation from
various organizations, the first National Library Week was observed in
1958 with the theme ``Wake Up and Read!''
Libraries play a vital role in supporting the quality of life in
their communities. The digital divide has narrowed because libraries
provide no-fee public computer and Internet access to meet the growing
need for access to digital and online information, including
eGovernment, continuing education and employment opportunities.
Libraries help us discover a world of knowledge, both in person and
online, and are a key player in the national discourse on intellectual
freedom and equity of access. According to the National Center for
Education Statistics' December 2008 report, library use was up to 1.4
billion visits nationwide among all types of library users, continuing
a long-term trend of increased library usage.
By recognizing National Library Week, we show our appreciation to
libraries, librarians, and staff across America. I am honored to
support this resolution, and I ask my colleagues to join me.
Just as an aside, Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage everyone,

[[Page 5321]]

whether they are parents, aunts, uncles, or just mentors, to take
children to a library and to read and mentor them. It's a great place
to do it. It's a great place to meet, to learn, and to educate
yourself.
I would like to thank Congressman Vernon Ehlers for introducing this.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize for 3 minutes the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I want to thank the gentlewoman from
California for yielding time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to express strong support for H. Res. 1222,
supporting the goals and ideals of National Library Week.
The science fiction novelist Frank Herbert stated, ``The beginning of
knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.'' Our
national libraries serve as a much needed conduit by which we, as
American citizens, gain more understanding of the world around us.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national
observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries
across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the
contributions of our Nation's libraries and librarians and to promote
library use and support. All types of libraries--school, public, and
academic--participate. The City of Chicago is home to exactly 79 public
libraries and to many private libraries with information ranging from
cultural specific research to academic.
In my congressional district, the Seventh Congressional District of
Illinois, we serve as the home of the headquarters for the American
Library Association. I am proud to have this great organization in my
district, and I am pleased that many of its staff members are my
constituents. We have libraries that are renowned, both public and
private, such as the Harold Washington Library and the Newberry
Library.
Last evening, at a town hall meeting in Westchester, Illinois, one of
the trustees of the library board made it known to everybody present
that libraries are vitally important, and I was very pleased to agree
with him.
I also want to congratulate Robert Morris College, one of the
academic institutions in my congressional district, for their
installation of a new library that recently opened. It is magnificent.
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the
actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing the importance
of National Library Week. I strongly support H. Res. 1222, which
recognizes the significant contributions of libraries, librarians, and
library workers to our nation's communities.
In my home state of Georgia, public library usage has increased more
than 10 percent from 2008 to 2009. Libraries are narrowing the digital
divide by providing no-fee public computer and Internet access to
accommodate the growing need for access to digital and online
information. In 2009, the number of public access computer sessions at
Georgia libraries topped 15 million.
The services provided by public libraries are in greater demand in
this economy. Americans use their public library's free Internet access
to assist in their job search. When people economize, they check out
books, magazines, and DVDs instead of buying them. In 2009, more than
68 percent of Americans had library cards, which is the greatest number
of Americans with library cards since the American Library Association
began measuring library card usage in 1990.
Libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of people in the
United States. They are places for opportunity, education, and lifelong
learning. Libraries allow those who may not be able to afford books to
read and explore other cultures. Libraries are a key player in the
national discourse on intellectual freedom and equity of access.
During the District Work Period, I was able to tour the Embry Hills
Branch Library in Chamblee for the dedication ceremony. I also met with
the DeKalb County Library Director, Darro Willey, and Ted Rinehart of
the CEO's administration, to hear about the programs and educational
activities that are taking place.
Libraries in the Fourth District are doing great work. The DeKalb
County Library offers tax assistance. It also gets the community
involved by using designs from DeKalb County residents for its library
cards. The Gwinnett County Library allows patrons to improve their
language skills by practicing conversational English.
Libraries are vital in helping their communities find and use
information and are essential to supporting student achievement. They
are essential institutions because they provide information that allows
citizens to make informed decisions. They level the playing field by
making the world of information available to anyone seeking it.
During National Library Week, I am especially pleased to celebrate
the libraries, librarians, and library workers. I will continue to
encourage residents in the Fourth District of Georgia to take advantage
of the tremendous public service libraries and librarians provide.
I strongly support H. Res. 1222 and urge my colleagues to do the
same.
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in
support of H. Res. 1222, Supporting the goals and ideals of National
Library Week. I would like to thank my colleague, Rep. Vernon Ehlers,
for introducing this resolution.
I support this legislation because on National Library Week, April
11th through the 17th, communities across the U.S. will recognize the
contributions made by all library workers including librarians, support
staff, and others who make library services possible. It also promotes
increased public awareness of the significant contributions made by
libraries to further the academic achievement and lifelong learning of
our students. In addition National Library Week strengthens a belief in
the value of libraries and positions librarianship as a desirable
career opportunity.
This year's theme, ``Communities thrive at your library,''
illustrates how the library is at the root of a thriving community,
reminding individuals and informing others that the library is the
place where people of all backgrounds learn and grow together.
America's libraries and their workers remain valuable community assets
during tough economic times. Also, with more businesses requiring
online job applications, job-seeking resources are among the most
critical and popular resources available in U.S. public libraries.
Libraries provide not only the hardware and software applications, but
they also offer skilled librarians who help teach people how to use the
Internet and find the information they need quickly. As the wave of
technology has changed the way we receive and transmit information, the
Nation's libraries and their staffs have met those changes head on!
I would also like to take this time to emphasize the need for pay
equity for library workers, even in this economy. Women librarian
salaries continue to be lower than male library employees. The wage gap
for the Nation remains with women earning 77 cents for every dollar a
man earns. Library employees also continue to receive lower salaries in
comparison with traditionally male occupations with comparable
education requirements and job responsibilities.
In recognizing the valuable contributions to our Nation and citizens
across this country, from libraries, we must not forget the hardworking
individuals who provide such services. Such services will enable us to
educate our citizens and bring them into the era of technology. This
week will also bring to light the need to adequately compensate the
staffers which provide these services.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
support of National Libraries Week. The foundation of our learning and
literacy is based in books and the written word. Our Nation's libraries
offer access to books, newspapers, magazines, the Internet and other
informational materials. There is no other place where any individual
who owns a library card can go in and access materials free of charge
that promotes learning, discovery, opportunity, and self improvement.
It is our libraries and librarians that provide this to millions of
Americans each year.
While our libraries hold the materials, it is our librarians that
often hold the key. Librarians are the caring and accessible
individuals who lead us on that adventure to knowledge.
Lady Bird Johnson once said, ``Perhaps no place in any community is
so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance
requirement is interest.'' Libraries reach across barriers of age,
ethnicity, and income to offer a world of learning, discovery and
access to millions of Americans each year.
For those who are trapped in the digital divide, libraries are on the
front line in providing computer and Internet access free of charge and
the resources on how to properly use that technology.
I am especially proud of our many Dallas Public and School Libraries.
In addition to standard library services they offer events to benefit
the community, including everything from classes of song and reading
for infants and their parents to tax preparation for senior

[[Page 5322]]

citizens. They are truly committed to the people of Dallas, their well-
being, and their access to learning, and I commend their service.
I am a proud supporter of National Libraries Week and thank all of
those individuals who serve inquisitive minds both young and old in our
nation's libraries.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, in Oregon, we pride ourselves on our
strong community and a commitment to quality of life and education.
Public libraries are a vital piece of this fabric and, in fact, Oregon
has the second highest circulation of public library materials in the
nation and the only 5-star library in the Northwest. As the economic
downturn has pushed family budgets to the brink, these resources are
more important than ever. In addition to public reading and visual
materials, libraries offer Internet and computer access for all, free
of charge. Many also serve as vibrant community spaces for gatherings
and events.
Another library that deserves particular recognition is our very own
Library of Congress. To highlight the world-class work of this
institution, in 2008 I formed the Library of Congress Caucus, now
nearly 70 Members strong. My friend Congressman Zach Wamp serves as co-
chair and our goal is to draw further attention to the nation's
library, its collections and curators, and to encourage further use by
Members of Congress and the public.
The Library of Congress not only houses the outstanding Congressional
Research Service, it also offers 1.6 million visitors access to 15
million primary-source documents and operates the Veteran's History
Project. One of my favorite programs, the Surplus Books Program, is an
innovative service through which Members may send extra books from the
Library of Congress to schools and libraries in their home district. At
a time when funding for public schools and libraries is scarce, this is
a simple way to reduce waste and distribute excess resources to our
communities and schools where they are critically needed.
I strongly encourage members to take advantage of these extraordinary
programs and resources, and congratulate all our nation's libraries,
librarians, and library-enthusiasts.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of House Resolution 1222.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1222.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.

____________________

CONGRATULATING UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING
HUMANITARIAN BOWL

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1041) congratulating and commending the University
of Idaho's football team for winning the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl in
Boise, Idaho.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:

H. Res. 1041

Whereas the University of Idaho's football team won the
2009 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho, on December 30, 2009,
its first bowl game in more than a decade;
Whereas Coach Robb Akey led the team to significantly
improve its win-loss record to 8-5 this past season, the
first winning record since 1999;
Whereas the University of Idaho beat Bowling Green
University 43-42 after successfully executing a nail-biting
2-point play in the final seconds of the game;
Whereas senior guard Mike Lupati was named to the Senior
Bowl and as an All-American and Outland Trophy finalist for
best college football interior lineman;
Whereas teammates visited Saint Luke's Regional Medical
Hospital to visit with children patients as part of the
Humanitarian Bowl outreach; and
Whereas University of Idaho supporters look forward to
seeing the team build its promising momentum next season:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) congratulates and commends the University of Idaho's
football team for winning the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl in
Boise, Idaho; and
(2) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches,
students, alumni, and staff who were instrumental in helping
to secure the University of Idaho's Humanitarian Bowl win.

General Leave

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous
material on House Resolution 1041 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. CHU. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Idaho
football team for their victory in the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl.
On December 30, football fans nationwide witnessed a thrilling game
as the University of Idaho Vandals defeated the Bowling Green State
University Falcons to win the Humanitarian Bowl title. Both teams
showcased their offense talents, but when the final whistle blew, the
University of Idaho edged out a victory over Bowling Green State
University by a score of 43-42.
The bowl game featured plenty of offense as the two teams traded
touchdowns in one of the most exciting bowl games of the season. The
game was tied and less than a minute left when Bowling Green scored a
go-ahead touchdown. With only 28 seconds left in the game, the
University of Idaho pieced together a 66-yard game-winning drive, and
capped it off with a dramatic two-point conversion, going for the win
instead of a tie and overtime.
In the past 3 years, head coach Robb Akey has challenged his athletes
to become better young men both on and off the field. In 2009, the
University of Idaho earned a winning record for the first time in 10
years, along with a spot in the Humanitarian Bowl. The team closed the
year with the second bowl victory in school history. The only other
time they appeared at the bowl game, they defeated the Southern
Mississippi Golden Eagles in the 1998 Humanitarian Bowl.
Congratulations to running back DeMaundray Woolridge, a senior, who
was named a co-MVP of the game. Woolridge carried Idaho with 126
rushing yards and two third quarter touchdowns.
Congratulations are also due to wide receiver Max Komar for making
the game-winning touchdown catch, which was his only reception of the
game. Komar was the leading University of Idaho receiver and offensive
player of the year during the regular season.
Congratulations to quarterback Nathan Enderle, a junior, who threw
for 240 passing yards and four touchdowns, including the epic game
winner. Enderle finished the season with the seventh best passer
efficiency rating, and was named the team's most valuable player.
Last but not least, congratulations to offensive guard Mike Iupati,
who was the team's offensive captain and a consensus All-American
selection. He is the first University of Idaho player to receive this
honor since 1957. Iupati is considered one of the top prospects
available at his position in the 2010 NFL draft.
The outstanding players and coaches at the University of Idaho
produced a great turnaround season, and their accomplishments are a
testament to their skill and perseverance. The support of students,
alumni, and fans helped bring great pride to the school. Finishing the
season with a winning record and a bowl victory will only push the team
further as fans look forward to a successful 2010 season.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate the University of Idaho
football team for their success.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

[[Page 5323]]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1041,
congratulating and commending the University of Idaho's football team
for winning the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho.
On December 30, 2009, the University of Idaho's football team won the
2009 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise. The University of Idaho Vandals ended
their outstanding season with a victory over Bowling Green State
University. The Vandals won the game in the closing seconds to take a
43-42 victory for their second Humanitarian Bowl.
Head coach Robb Akey led the team to victory and to its first winning
season since 1999. Senior guard Mike Iupati--and Mike, I apologize if I
mess that up since he is an Outland Trophy finalist--was named to the
Senior Bowl and was named an All-American and Outland Trophy finalist.
The contributions of this outstanding player and coach were a large
part of the Vandals' success this past season. While athletic success
is what brings us here today, we should take time to highlight
academics as well.
The University of Idaho was founded in 1889, and it is the State of
Idaho's flagship institution. Located in Moscow, Idaho, it is the
State's oldest public university and the State's land-grant university.
University programs are organized into 10 different colleges, which
have graduated Olympic medalists, NFL coaches, CEOs of Fortune 500
companies, and, of course, Congressmen.
I extend my congratulations to University of Idaho president Duane
Nellis, athletic director Dr. Rob Spear, head coach Robb Akey and his
staff, the hardworking players, and the fans. I wish all continued
success, and I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize for 3 minutes the
gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Minnick).
Mr. MINNICK. I am delighted that my colleagues from the States of
Tennessee and California recognize that we do play football in Idaho
and at a rather outstanding level, and I would ask that they might take
back, particularly the gentlewoman from California, that word to the
Pac-10 Conference commissioners, and both of you might mention our
strong performance to the BCS, which currently grants teams from my
State second-class status.
The University of Idaho, in particular, is the turnaround story of
the year in football in my part of the country. What coach Robb Akey
has done is taken a mediocre team and, through superior recruiting and
force of leadership, has turned it into its first winning season and
its first Humanitarian Bowl victory in many years.
It's fair to say, with the strong leadership of the coach in his
producing outstanding student athletes like Mike Iupati, who went from
the WAC and this bowl to the Senior Bowl as an All-American, that there
are great things ahead. This league is very competitive, and the word
from Idaho to all of our colleagues in the other 49 States is: The
Vandals are back.

{time} 1430

Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of House Resolution 1041, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1041.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.

____________________

CONGRATULATING BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING 2010
FIESTA BOWL

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1042) commending the Boise State University Broncos
football team for winning the 2010 Fiesta Bowl.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:

H. Res. 1042

Whereas the Boise State University Broncos football team
won the 2010 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, defeating the Texas
Christian University Horned Frogs by a score of 17-10 at the
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on
January 4, 2010;
Whereas the Broncos finished their 2009 season with a
flawless 14-0 record and have gone undefeated 3 of their last
4 regular seasons;
Whereas the Broncos' only loss in 2008 was against Texas
Christian University in a 1-point nail-biter, making the 2010
Fiesta Bowl victory all the more gratifying for the team;
Whereas Broncos head coach Chris Petersen called for a
courageous fake punt play with less than 10 minutes remaining
in the game that led to the game-winning touchdown;
Whereas Broncos head coach Chris Petersen received the Paul
``Bear'' Bryant Award for the second time in just 4 years,
which recognizes the best college football coach in the
Nation;
Whereas sophomore quarterback Kellen Moore threw 39
touchdown passes this season, the most for a single season in
school history;
Whereas the 2010 Fiesta Bowl victory comes just 3 years
after the Broncos' historic Fiesta Bowl victory in 2007;
Whereas the entire Broncos team should be commended for its
steadfast resolve, tireless work ethic, and solid
sportsmanship;
Whereas the Broncos should be considered serious National
Championship contenders next year with 21 of its 22 starters
returning to the field, ready to pick up from where they left
off; and
Whereas the Broncos have brought great honor to themselves,
their university, the city of Boise, and the State of Idaho:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commends the Boise State University Broncos football
team for winning the 2010 Fiesta Bowl; and
(2) congratulates the team for completing an undefeated,
14-0 season.

General Leave

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House
Resolution 1042 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today to congratulate the Boise State University football team
for their victory in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl.
On January 4, football fans were treated to a much-anticipated game
between the Boise State University Broncos and the Texas Christian
University Horned Frogs. Boise State prevailed and narrowly defeated
TCU by a score of 17-10 to win the Fiesta Bowl.
Both teams came into the Fiesta Bowl undefeated in the regular
season; and this game was essentially a rematch of the 2008 Poinsettia
Bowl, in which Boise State lost to TCU by just one point. The game
featured two of the premier offensive teams in the country, as Boise
State led the Nation in points per game while TCU finished fourth in
the Nation in points per game. While many expected TCU's dominant
defense to play the deciding role, Boise State's defense excelled when
it mattered most. Boise State's defense only allowed one third down
conversion while forcing three turnovers.
Congratulations to Head Coach Chris Petersen, who was the Conference
Coach of the Year for the second year in a row and won the Paul
``Bear'' Bryant Award for National Coach of the Year for the second
time. Since Coach Petersen took over the reins in 2006, Boise State has
gone 49-4 with two perfect seasons and two Fiesta Bowl victories.
Congratulations to Kyle Efaw, a sophomore tight end, and Brandyn

[[Page 5324]]

Thompson, a junior cornerback, who were named co-MVPs. Thompson had two
interceptions in the game and one for a touchdown.
Congratulations to quarterback Kellen Moore, a sophomore, who broke
the Boise State single-season touchdown pass record with 39 touchdowns
and only three interceptions. Moore was also named the Western Athletic
Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Six Broncos were named to the all-conference first team, which
included Moore, junior wide receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young,
sophomore offensive lineman Nate Potter, junior defensive end Ryan
Winterswyk, senior defensive back Kyle Wilson. Young was honored on the
first team for his special teams performance as well.
The extraordinary accomplishments by the Boise State Broncos are no
doubt because of their tireless determination and outstanding work
ethic. They have consistently been a formidable team over the last 4
years and have brought national acclaim and great pride to the school.
The fans of the University will certainly look forward to another
successful 2010 season as the Broncos continue to fight for a spot in
the National Championship game.
Once again, I congratulate the Boise State football team for their
success.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1042,
commending the Boise State University Broncos football team for winning
the 2010 Fiesta Bowl.
The Boise State University Broncos won the 2010 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
against the Texas Christian University's Horned Frogs on January 4,
2010. The game was very competitive with a final score of 17-10. With
less than 10 minutes left in the game, Head Coach Chris Petersen called
a gutsy fake punt play that led to the game-winning touchdown. The
Broncos finished their 2009 season with an undefeated 14-0 record.
Sophomore quarterback Kellen Moore threw 39 total touchdown passes
during the season, setting the single-season school record. Coach
Petersen received the Paul ``Bear'' Bryant Award, recognizing the best
college football coach in the Nation, for the second time in 4 years.
The team could not have had such an outstanding season without his
excellent coaching.
The Broncos football team has been a consistent winner, particularly
on their signature home blue turf. In 2008, the Broncos' only loss was
a one-point loss to Texas Christian University. In 2007, Boise State
was victorious in the Fiesta Bowl with an historic 56-7 win.
I stand before the House today to recognize the significant
achievements of the players, coaches, and students whose dedication and
hard work have led to the success of the Boise State University Broncos
football team and congratulate them on their victory in the 2010 Fiesta
Bowl. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.
Also, to my good friend Congressman Minnick, being a huge SEC fan,
you do play some football in Idaho now.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Minnick).
Mr. MINNICK. Mr. Speaker, Idaho produced two outstanding football
teams last year; and the premier one from national ratings comes from
my hometown, Boise, Idaho.
As my colleague, the esteemed gentleman from Tennessee, recognizes,
we do play national class football; and, as he also stated, we're not
only good but we can be tricky when the circumstance requires.
Coach Petersen is a coach's coach. Not only did he produce three
undefeated conference champions in the past 4 years, he did go to the
Fiesta Bowl twice and on that national stage made Idaho proud. He is,
in addition to being a skilled technician and student of the game, a
superb leader in another sense as well. His students graduate from
college. His students are properly disciplined, and he manages to go
through a winning season hardly ever having to raise his voice. He is
the epitome of the good things that college athletics stand for, and I
would like to salute him for his success in my State in bringing the
Broncos among the top five rated preseason teams this year and a team
that has an outstanding chance of becoming, even with the BCS rules,
next year's national champion.
The success of Coach Petersen and the Boise State Broncos
demonstrates why, above everything else, if we are going to be fair to
schools that come from outside the major BCS conferences, we need to
revise the way the BCS championship system works. We need a playoff
system. We need to give every team, including the two from my home
State, a fair opportunity to compete for and win the national
championship.
I am proud of what Boise State has accomplished. It's an
extraordinary tale of success, a tribute to an excellent coach, and I
think it is clear to everyone in this country that the Broncos are a
world-class football team. And for everyone in Idaho, I would say 2010
is going to be another spectacular year.
Go, Broncos, go.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Just a quick comment. We do these suspensions and we talk about them
and vote on them and so forth, but there's a real lesson in college
athletics that I think Congressman Minnick brought up that's very
important. Not just a resolution congratulating a football team but
young athletes, and I know I certainly learned these lessons, as an
athlete, you learn to show up on time, you learn to be a team player,
and you learn to give your very best. And if you take those attributes
into the world of business and your life, you are going to have a
pretty successful life if you take those lessons that you have learned.
So congratulations once again.
I would like to associate my comments. We just saw in the last week
one of the greatest athletic events in this Nation, which was the NCAA
basketball tournament. We saw what happened there, and a football team
should be allowed the same opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of House Resolution 1042, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1042.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on that, I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.

____________________

CONGRATULATING LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA ON 140TH
ANNIVERSARY

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1198) congratulating Lock Haven University of
Pennsylvania for 140 years of excellence in higher education, as
amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:

H. Res. 1198

Whereas Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania was founded
in 1870 as Central State Normal School;
Whereas Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, located in
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania has 4,665 undergraduate students
enrolled at the main campus and 440 students enrolled at the
Clearfield campus;
Whereas Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania competes in
10 women's and 8 men's intercollegiate NCAA sports;
Whereas students attending Lock Haven University of
Pennsylvania can obtain degrees and certificates from 60
different undergraduate programs and 3 different graduate
programs;

[[Page 5325]]

Whereas Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania has 17,000
living alumni; and
Whereas 97 percent of recent Lock Haven University of
Pennsylvania graduates are employed or continuing their
education and 84 percent of employed graduates are working in
their field of study or chosen field: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania for 140 years of
excellence in higher education.

General Leave

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House
Resolution 1198 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today in support of House Resolution 1198, which celebrates
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania for 140 years of service and
leadership.
Located along the Susquehanna River, Lock Haven University of
Pennsylvania was founded in 1870 as the Central State Normal School. By
1983, the school joined the Pennsylvania State System of Higher
Education and was renamed Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.
The University features a gorgeous 200-acre main campus in central
Pennsylvania and an additional 13-acre branch campus in Clearfield,
Pennsylvania, which was established in 1989. Lock Haven offers a small
college lifestyle to over 5,100 undergraduates, along with more than 60
undergraduate programs and three graduate programs.
The school has an outstanding athletic program, which offers 10
women's and eight men's NCAA teams, boasts 13 Division II
championships, and has many active club sports teams. Students also
have the opportunity to participate in over 120 clubs, activities, and
organizations on and off campus.
Lock Haven demonstrates leadership in serving the community and was
named to the Presidential Honor Roll for Community Service in 2009.
Every year its students perform over 40,000 hours of community service
through the Mountain Serve Center, focusing on programs for
disadvantaged youth.
This year, Lock Haven will celebrate 140 years of broadening the
minds and horizons of its students, and it will mark a significant
milestone in the University's history.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for Lock Haven
University of Pennsylvania and thank Representative Thompson for
bringing this bill forward. I urge my colleagues to join me in support
of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1198,
congratulating Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania for 140 years of
excellence in higher education.
On the banks of the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania is a
university where students receive excellent career preparation, develop
lifelong friendships, and never feel like they are just another number.
Lock Haven University prides itself on having a small college lifestyle
with a big university education. With an enrollment of 5,000 students,
classes are student centered and there are unlimited opportunities to
be become involved.
Lock Haven University was founded in 1870 as the Central State Normal
School. By 1927, it was known as the State Teachers College of Lock
Haven; and in 1960 the name was changed to Lock Haven State College. In
1983, the school joined with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher
Education and became known as Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.
The Clearfield campus in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, was established in
1989.
LHU has more than 60 undergraduate programs and three graduate
programs. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. Its athletics
department offers eight women's Division II teams as well as seven
men's Division II programs. Division I men's wrestling and women's
field hockey programs round out the athletic offerings.
LHU has an outstanding international mission, offering exchange
programs on six continents. It has approximately 580 full-time
employees, which includes 270 full-time instructional faculty.

{time} 1445

There are more than 120 clubs, activities and organizations on
campus. And it is also one of the few public institutions in the United
States to require laptop computers of freshmen and transfer students.
The requirement is complemented by a wireless technology infrastructure
that will encompass virtually the entire campus in the near future.
LHU's students have numerous opportunities to learn outside of the
classroom through internships and field placement. In addition, LHU
students can study abroad a semester in England, France, Japan,
Australia or one of 24 other countries. Armed with the tools to
succeed, 97 percent of recent graduates are either employed or
continuing their education.
Today, we honor Lock Haven University for 140 years of excellence in
higher education. Congratulations to its president, Dr. Keith Miller,
and the faculty of one of the most noble endeavors, preparing future
leaders for every sector of our society. I would also like to
congratulate the students and staff as well.
I support this resolution, and ask my colleagues to do the same.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. CHU. I urge passage of House Resolution 1198, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1198, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

____________________

REMEMBERING VICTIMS OF OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1206) remembering the victims of
the attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma, and supporting the goals and ideals of the National Week of
Hope, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:

H. Res. 1206

Whereas, on April 19, 1995, at 9:02 a.m., a terrorist
detonated a truck bomb at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal
Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
Whereas this was one of the worst terrorist attacks ever to
occur on United States soil, taking the lives of 168 people
and injuring more than 850 others, many of them United States
Government employees who worked in the Alfred P. Murrah
Federal Building;
Whereas this cowardly act of domestic terrorism directly
affected thousands of families and horrified millions of
people across the State of Oklahoma and the United States;
Whereas the people of Oklahoma and the United States
responded to this tragedy through the remarkable efforts of
local, State, and Federal law enforcement personnel,
firefighters, search and rescue teams, public and private
medical personnel, other emergency services personnel, and
thousands of volunteers from the community who saved lives,
assisted the injured and wounded, comforted the bereaved, and
provided meals and support to those who came to Oklahoma City
to offer assistance;
Whereas this courageous response set what has come to be
known as the ``Oklahoma Standard'', which was later emulated
by many Americans following the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001;
Whereas, following the 1995 attack, the people of Oklahoma
and the United States pledged to build and maintain a
permanent

[[Page 5326]]

national memorial to remember those who were killed, those
who survived, and those changed forever;
Whereas this pledge was fulfilled by establishing the
Oklahoma City National Memorial, which draws hundreds of
thousands of visitors from around the world every year to the
site of the attack;
Whereas the inscription on the wall of the Oklahoma City
National Memorial reads: ``We come here to remember those who
were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever.
May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this
memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope, and
serenity.'';
Whereas the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention
of Terrorism was established to educate the Nation's
emergency responders about preventing and mitigating the
effects of terrorist attacks;
Whereas the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building has been
replaced with a new, safe, secure, and functional Federal
building in downtown Oklahoma City that houses many of the
offices once housed in the Murrah Building, sending a message
that the people and Government of the United States will not
be cowed by terrorists; and
Whereas the 15th anniversary of the terrorist bombing of
the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building is April 19, 2010: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) joins with the people of the United States in sending
best wishes and prayers to the families, friends, and
neighbors of the 168 people killed in the terrorist bombing
of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma; and
(2) sends its best wishes and prayers to those injured in
the bombing and expresses gratitude to the thousands of first
responders, rescue workers, medical personnel, and volunteers
from the community and across the Nation who answered the
call for help on the morning of the attack and in the days
and weeks thereafter.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Connolly) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.

General Leave

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend
their remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Congresswoman Mary Fallin and our
colleagues from Oklahoma for introducing this resolution. This
resolution commemorates the lives of the Federal employees and other
victims of this savage terrorist attack and reminds us of the ongoing
terrorist threat in our borders.
House Resolution 1206 was introduced by the gentlewoman from
Oklahoma, Representative Mary Fallin, on March 23 of this year and was
referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. It comes
to the floor today with the bipartisan support of over 50 cosponsors.
Over the last year, we've witnessed a rise in violent rhetoric by
extremist groups in America. In the most recent incident, Andrew Joseph
Stack intentionally crashed his small plane into a Federal building in
Austin, Texas, that included offices of the Internal Revenue Service,
among others.
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there have been over 75
violent attacks by domestic terrorists since 1995, Mr. Speaker. The
resolution before us today is especially poignant because it is but the
most destructive example of a recent frightening trend in domestic
terrorism, that is to say, the incident in Oklahoma City.
At 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols
used a truck full of explosives to attack the Alfred P. Murrah Federal
Building in Oklahoma City. Their vicious attack, conducted at a time
when most of the building's employees were at work and their children
at a day care center, killed 168 people and wounded 850 others. The
explosion was so powerful it reduced much of the building to rubble and
damaged at least six adjacent buildings, including an apartment
building, a church, and a YMCA. Some of the victims of the Murrah
Federal Building were children who were in the day care center for
building employees.
McVeigh and Nichols appear to have been motivated by similar anti-
government ideology as the dozens of domestic terrorist who have
attacked America in 15 years subsequent to that bombing.
Seven emergency response crews responded to the attack after
receiving a call reporting it in at 9:03 a.m., with Fire Station One's
crew arriving first at the scene. Oklahoma City's police force set up
an incident command system to manage a massive search and rescue
operation. Average citizens, as well as the Civil Air Patrol, American
Red Cross, and other organizations assisted with responses to the
attack.
After the attack, Oklahomans and other Americans responded with
generous offers of assistance. Immediately after McVeigh detonated the
explosives in the truck, many bystanders ran to the building to try to
save people who were still in it. Oklahoma City restaurant owners gave
first responders free meals. Blood drives were so overwhelmed with
volunteers that long lines forced the city to ask blood donors to wait
for the next drive.
Workers actually left their boots on-site after response crews ran
out of work boots. This collective sacrifice and outpouring of support
earned the moniker ``Oklahoma Standard,'' which describes an
extraordinary, spontaneous outpouring of community support in times of
tragedy.
Thank you again, Congresswoman Fallin, our colleague, for introducing
this legislation which I'm a proud cosponsor of.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1206,
remembering the victims of the attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal
Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Fifteen years ago, domestic terrorists set off a truck bomb in front
of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in what would
become one of the worst terrorist attacks to happen on American soil.
In a matter of moments, the lives of 168 people, including 19 children,
were cruelly brought to an end. In the aftermath, we learned that more
than 850 people were injured, and 30 children were orphaned; 219
children lost at least one parent in the tragedy.
To those there, it seemed as if no one in Oklahoma escaped unscathed.
Indeed, it has been said that ``at 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995, every
American became an Oklahoman.'' The outpouring of support for the
people of Oklahoma in the hours, days, weeks and months following this
attack revealed the depth of character of the citizens of this great
Nation.
Many of those killed and injured were Federal employees or the
families of Federal employees. It is important that we take time to
remember the civil servants who served our country honorably and
perished in this tragedy. All of these employees' service to our
country deserve recognition and distinction.
I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to local, State and Federal
law enforcement, firefighters and emergency response teams from
Oklahoma and across the United States; the servicemen and -women, the
medical personnel, and the thousands of volunteers who donated their
time to help save lives and assist the injured and provide meals to
those that came to help the people of Oklahoma. Without these brave men
and women, countless more lives may have been lost that day.
Oklahomans have demonstrated the depth of their own character by
rebuilding in the wake of the bombing. This tragedy could have
devastated the future of Oklahoma City; but in the 15 years since the
bombing, the city and all Oklahomans have undergone profound healing. I
commend them for their strength and for the continued commitment to
triumph over such senseless violence, and I stand with them as they
persevere.
Rather than allowing fear to hinder them, the people of Oklahoma City
determined to continue the city's growth

[[Page 5327]]

while keeping alive the memory of those lost.
Nowhere is that determination more beautifully exhibited than at the
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. This facility has attracted
hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world each year
since its opening. It serves as a reminder of not only the tragic event
that took place 15 years ago, but also the way that all Americans came
together to pick up the pieces and move on. It provides Oklahomans and
all Americans with a sense of hope that we truly are able to rise from
the ashes of terrorism and come out a stronger community and Nation.
The Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism was also
created to help educate the Nation's emergency responders and law
enforcement about preventing and mitigating the effects of terrorist
attacks.
Before I close, I will quote the inscription on the wall of the
memorial which sums up the lessons learned from this senseless tragedy.
It reads: ``We come here to remember those who were killed, those who
survived, and those who changed forever. May all who leave here know
the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength,
peace, hope and serenity.''
As we near the 15th anniversary of the bombing of the Murrah Federal
Building in Oklahoma City, I hope we will keep those impacted by this
in our minds and heed these important words.
I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution, and I urge all of my
colleagues to support this resolution.
And, Mr. Speaker, I think this speaks volumes about what we are as a
Nation. We're not a Nation of political parties. We're all Americans,
and we come together in a tragedy like this to help heal. And I extend
my condolences from the great State of Tennessee to Oklahoma. And I
thank my friend from Virginia here today for helping us commemorate
this.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I thank my friend from Tennessee for his
kind words. And now I am pleased to recognize our colleague and friend
from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum) for 4 minutes.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the victims of
the 1995 terrorist attack on Oklahoma City that killed 168 people. This
act of terrorism was committed by a man who viewed the Federal
Government as such a threat it justified mass murder.
I applaud my colleague from Oklahoma for her resolution because it
serves as a reminder that right-wing anti-government extremist groups
are on the rise today. Only 2 weeks ago, members of a so-called
Christian militia in Michigan were arrested by the FBI for plotting to
kill law enforcement officers in the hopes of inciting an anti-
government uprising.
A national civil rights organization has documented a growing number
of hate groups in America and states they are ``driven largely by an
angry backlash against non-white immigration, economic meltdown and the
climb to power of an African American President.'' In one word: racism.
Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center states: ``Individuals
associated with the Patriot movement during its heydays in the 1990s
produced an enormous amount of violence, most dramatically the Oklahoma
City bombing.''
Today Mr. Potok states: ``As the movement has exploded, so has the
reaches of its ideas, aided and abetted by commentators and
politicians.''
Only last month a Fox News media commentator, with Members of
Congress next to him, rallied a tea party crowd by disparaging Congress
and calling the crowd ``all these Tim McVeigh wannabes here.'' To that,
the crowds cheered and applauded.
When Members of Congress compare health care legislation to
``government tyranny,'' ``socialism'' or ``totalitarianism'' in the
hopes of scoring political points, it's like pouring gas on the fire of
extremism.
Members of this House, Democrats and Republicans, have a duty and
obligation to end the dangerous name-calling that can only inspire
extremist militias and phony patriots. In the most free, prosperous and
greatest democracy on Earth, it is time to return to civil, decent
debate of public policy.
I don't want another ``Oklahoma City'' to ever take place again. And
just as we would not give aid and comfort to al Qaeda, let us not allow
the words of elected leaders to give comfort and comfortable excuses to
extremists bent on violence. Words have power for both good and evil,
and I implore my colleagues to temper their rhetoric and not allow the
words of a Member of Congress to ever be used by a violent militia or
phony, hate-filled patriot to cause violence.
The victims of the Oklahoma City bombing were women at work, men in
line for government services, and children in a day care center. And
these families were torn apart, and they struggle to heal. A community
was devastated, but it is again filled with hope and memories.
And I hope with this resolution every Member of Congress will reflect
upon the victims of Oklahoma City, as well as our duty as elected
leaders in a proud and free country.

[From the Southern Poverty Law Center, Apr. 2010]

Rage on the Right--The Year in Hate and Extremism

(By Mark Potok)

The radical right caught fire last year, as broad-based
populist anger at political, demographic and economic changes
in America ignited an explosion of new extremist groups and
activism across the nation.
Hate groups stayed at record levels--almost 1,000--despite
the total collapse of the second largest neo-Nazi group in
America. Furious anti-immigrant vigilante groups soared by
nearly 80%, adding some 136 new groups during 2009. And, most
remarkably of all, so-called ``Patriot'' groups--militias and
other organizations that see the federal government as part
of a plot to impose ``one-world government'' on liberty-
loving Americans--came roaring back after years out of the
limelight.
The anger seething across the American political
landscape--over racial changes in the population, soaring
public debt and the terrible economy, the bailouts of bankers
and other elites, and an array of initiatives by the
relatively liberal Obama Administration that are seen as
``socialist'' or even ``fascist''--goes beyond the radical
right. The ``tea parties'' and similar groups that have
sprung up in recent months cannot fairly be considered
extremist groups, but they are shot through with rich veins
of radical ideas, conspiracy theories and racism.
``We are in the midst of one of the most significant right-
wing populist rebellions in United States history,'' Chip
Berlet, a veteran analyst of the American radical right,
wrote earlier this year. ``We see around us a series of
overlapping social and political movements populated by
people [who are] angry, resentful, and full of anxiety. They
are raging against the machinery of the federal bureaucracy
and liberal government programs and policies including health
care, reform of immigration and labor laws, abortion, and gay
marriage.''
Sixty-one percent of Americans believe the country is in
decline, according to a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal
poll. Just a quarter think the government can be trusted. And
the anti-tax tea party movement is viewed in much more
positive terms than either the Democratic or Republican
parties, the poll found.
The signs of growing radicalization are everywhere. Armed
men have come to Obama speeches bearing signs suggesting that
the ``tree of liberty'' needs to be ``watered'' with ``the
blood of tyrants.'' The Conservative Political Action
Conference held this February was co-sponsored by groups like
the John Birch Society, which believes President Eisenhower
was a Communist agent, and Oath Keepers, a Patriot outfit
formed last year that suggests, in thinly veiled language,
that the government has secret plans to declare martial law
and intern patriotic Americans in concentration camps.
Politicians pandering to the antigovernment right in 37
states have introduced ``Tenth Amendment Resolutions,'' based
on the constitutional provision keeping all powers not
explicitly given to the federal government with the states.
And, at the ``A Well Regulated Militia'' website, a recent
discussion of how to build ``clandestine safe houses'' to
stay clear of the federal government included a conversation
about how mass murderers like Timothy McVeigh and Olympics
bomber Eric Rudolph were supposedly betrayed at such houses.

Doing the Numbers

The number of hate groups in America has been going up for
years, rising 54% between 2000 and 2008 and driven largely by
an angry backlash against non-white immigration and, starting
in the last year of that period, the economic meltdown and
the climb to power of an African American president.
According to the latest annual count by the Southern
Poverty Law Center (SPLC), these groups rose again slightly
in 2009--

[[Page 5328]]

from 926 in 2008 to 932 last year--despite the demise of a
key neo-Nazi group. The American National Socialist Workers
Party, which had 35 chapters in 28 states, imploded shortly
after the October 2008 arrest of founder Bill White for
making threats against his enemies.
At the same time, the number of what the SPLC designates as
``nativist extremist'' groups--organizations that go beyond
mere advocacy of restrictive immigration policy to actually
confront or harass suspected immigrants--jumped from 173
groups in 2008 to 309 last year. Virtually all of these
vigilante groups have appeared since the spring of 2005.
But the most dramatic story by far has been with the
antigovernment Patriots.
The militias and the larger Patriot movement first came to
Americans' attention in the mid-1990s, when they appeared as
an angry reaction to what was seen as a tyrannical government
bent on crushing all dissent. Sparked most dramatically by
the death of 76 Branch Davidians during a 1993 law
enforcement siege in Waco, Texas, those who joined the
militias also railed against the Democratic Clinton
Administration and initiatives like gun control and
environmental regulation. Although the Patriot movement
included people formerly associated with racially based hate
groups, it was above all animated by a view of the federal
government as the primary enemy, along with a fondness for
antigovernment conspiracy theories. By early this decade, the
groups had largely disappeared from public view.
But last year, as noted in the SPLC's August report, ``The
Second Wave: Return of the Militias,'' a dramatic resurgence
in the Patriot movement and its paramilitary wing, the
militias, began. Now, the latest SPLC count finds that an
astonishing 363 new Patriot groups appeared in 2009, with the
totals going from 149 groups (including 42 militias) to 512
(127 of them militias)--a 244% jump.
That is cause for grave concern. Individuals associated
with the Patriot movement during its 1990s heyday produced an
enormous amount of violence, most dramatically the Oklahoma
City bombing that left 168 people dead.
Already there are signs of similar violence emanating from
the radical right. Since the installation of Barack Obama,
right-wing extremists have murdered six law enforcement
officers. Racist skinheads and others have been arrested in
alleged plots to assassinate the nation's first black
president. One man from Brockton, Mass.--who told police he
had learned on white supremacist websites that a genocide was
under way against whites--is charged with murdering two black
people and planning to kill as many Jews as possible on the
day after Obama's inauguration. Most recently, a rash of
individuals with antigovernment, survivalist or racist views
have been arrested in a series of bomb cases.
As the movement has exploded, so has the reach of its
ideas, aided and abetted by commentators and politicians in
the ostensible mainstream. While in the 1990s, the movement
got good reviews from a few lawmakers and talk-radio hosts,
some of its central ideas today are being plugged by people
with far larger audiences like FOX News' Glenn Beck and U.S.
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn). Beck, for instance, re-
popularized a key Patriot conspiracy theory--the charge that
FEMA is secretly running concentration camps--before finally
``debunking'' it.
Last year also experienced levels of cross-pollination
between different sectors of the radical right not seen in
years. Nativist activists increasingly adopted the ideas of
the Patriots; racist rants against Obama and others coursed
through the Patriot movement; and conspiracy theories
involving the government appeared in all kinds of right-wing
venues. A good example is the upcoming Second Amendment March
in Washington, D.C. The website promoting the march is topped
by a picture of a colonial militiaman, and key supporters
include Larry Pratt, a long-time militia enthusiast with
connections to white supremacists, and Richard Mack, a
conspiracy-mongering former sheriff associated with the
Patriot group Oath Keepers.
What may be most noteworthy about the march, however, is
its date--April 19. That is the date of the first shots fired
at Lexington in the Revolutionary War. And it is also the
anniversary of the fiery end of the government siege in Waco
and the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I again offer my deepest
sympathies to the victims of the attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal
Building, as well as to the families and friends of those victims.
Fifteen years later, we remember and mourn their tragic loss.
I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H. Res. 1206.
Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, fifteen years ago next Monday, America was
shocked and saddened by a murderous attack in our heartland. 168
Oklahomans died and hundreds others injured when a homegrown terrorist
detonated a bomb outside the Oklahoma City Federal Building.
Today I offer a resolution to commemorate that tragedy, but it is
also a resolution of hope.
On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City, the State of Oklahoma and our
Nation saw the face of evil. But rather than cower in fear we came
together. From the very first moments after the blast, neighbors rushed
forward to help neighbors. They lined up around the block to give
blood. They became volunteer rescuers--and one, a nurse, gave her life
in that effort.
As our wounds began to heal, we vowed always to remember those we
lost, those who were injured and those who were changed forever. Five
years after the bombing, in 2000, a beautiful and peaceful outdoor
memorial was dedicated on the same block that was once marked by blood
and tears.
That memorial includes 168 empty chairs in memory of those who died--
19 of them children. It contains a reflecting pool and a tough old tree
that survived the blast. We call it the Survivor Tree, and it is the
emblem of our memorial.
A year later, we added a museum where visitors come each day to learn
more about the bombing, and to absorb the lesson that in our free
Nation, free speech is honorable, but violence is not.
Those are the physical symbols of hope. There are others just as
vital. Dozens of children lost one or more parent in the bombing, or
were themselves injured. Today a special fund is sending some of those
children to college.
And each year, as we will next Monday, we gather again at the
Oklahoma City National Memorial to pause for 168 seconds of silence, to
honor memories, to see old friends with whom we share an unbreakable
bond forged of both tragedy and hope. And we also come to renew that
vow we made in 1995--we will never forget.
Fifteen years ago this Congress and the Clinton administration
stepped forward to bring the help and the justice the events of that
day demanded. Subsequent laws made it easier to prosecute terrorists
and bring them to final justice.
This resolution continues the commitment of this Congress to stand
with and for Oklahoma City. In memory of all those touched by the
events of April 19, 1995, I urge its unanimous passage.''
Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, at 9:02 a.m. on the morning of April 19th,
1995, a truck bomb detonated outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal
Building in downtown Oklahoma City killing 168 individuals--all of them
unsuspecting women, children, and men--thereby becoming one of the most
abhorrent acts of violence ever undertaken against the American people.
Fifteen years after the bombing, we recognize on this day--April 19th,
2010--all those both in Oklahoma and across the United States who were
touched by this inexplicable articulation of violence, violence which
signaled an irrevocable act of domestic terrorism. Our recollections of
that nascent dawn are consequently entombed within these words as a
small yet vital elegy to the mid-April daylight a decade and a half ago
when our world exploded.
We cannot and we must not allow the events from 15 years past to
lapse in our memories. The actions of that day still scar the
surrounding landscape like the ghosts of an enduring trauma, latent but
ever present behind the unyielding advances of time. Within a 16-block
radius of the blast site where 850 individuals were injured, where 19
of the 168 killed were under the age of 6, where 324 structures were
either damaged or destroyed, where 86 cars were utterly incinerated and
where the window panes of 258 buildings were thoroughly shattered, the
scorched earth campaign of Tim McVeigh and Terry Nichols permanently
impacted not only the existence of each and every Oklahoman but of all
Americans. Yet, the remarkable efforts of local, State, and Federal law
enforcement, fire and emergency services, search and rescue teams from
near and far, medical personnel both public and private, as well as
vast numbers of volunteers who willingly endangered themselves to save
others, assist the injured, support the grieving, and provide amenities
to those endangered or otherwise altered by this act of terrorism all
attest to the irrepressible character of Oklahoma and of America as a
whole.
Today, after the chaos of tragedy unexpected, after the initial
anguish of the moment, after the exposure of a malice which rocked us
to our very core, the Oklahoma City National Memorial stands resilient
in the downtown area as a sobering reminder of the attack on America's
heartland 15 years previous. The memorial itself--set on the grounds of
the incendiary assault, in the solitary shadow of an elm known as the
Survivor Tree--bears the following inscription: ``We come here to
remember those who were killed, those who

[[Page 5329]]

survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the
impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace,
hope and serenity.'' And, may we as Americans, never permit ourselves
to forget the pilfered vitality those 168 empty chairs signify,
especially the 16 smaller seats--each one a life, literally in its
infancy, extinguished by the unmitigated cruelty of a terrorist plot
planted and brought to fruition on American soil.
Moreover, we cannot dismiss the somber relevance the beloved departed
lend to the grievous affairs of that morning. We cannot dismiss the 580
injured. Nor can we dismiss the countless number of volunteers from
every corner of this country who came from near and far to aid in
Oklahoma City's continued recovery. April 19th must remain firmly in
our minds as the day America was altered permanently, as the day I urge
us to recognize and to never forget.
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.
Res. 1206, ``Remembering the victims of the attack on the Alfred P.
Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and supporting the
goals and ideals of the National Week of Hope.''
Let me begin by thanking my colleague Representative Mary Fallin for
introducing this important piece of legislation into the House of
Representatives as it is important that we always remember the men,
women and children who lost their lives in the tragic bombing of the
Oklahoma City Federal Building. I would also like to recognize
Congresswoman Fallin for her bravery and leadership in the aftermath of
the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
Just four months after taking her initial oath of office as
Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, Representative Fallin was faced with
this horrible attack. Through her courage and dedication to the people
of Oklahoma however, Representative Fallin successfully worked toward
the recovery and reconstruction of ground-zero and also formed a task
force to rebuild the childcare center lost in the disaster.
In one of the most shocking and horrifying terrorist attacks ever
directed against the United States homeland, the Alfred P. Murrah
Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was bombed by homegrown
terrorist Timothy McVeigh, leading to the deaths of over one-hundred
citizens and Federal employees.
Timothy McVeigh detonated his homemade bomb in front of the Federal
building on the morning of April 19, 1995, just as employees and
citizens were arriving at work for the day. The large explosion took
the lives of 168 people and injured more than 850 others in the area
around ground-zero.
I deplore in the strongest terms possible this cowardly act of
terrorism against the men, women and children in a Federal building.
This type of senseless violence is not welcome in our democratic
society and we must work to see that this type of action is never
allowed to take place again.
I would especially like to recognize the fine men and women of the
police, fire department and other first responders who provided
immediate assistance in the aftermath of the bombing. Because of their
courageous actions that day, many lives were able to be saved.
As the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure protection I have consistently worked towards increasing
the security in and around Federal buildings most notably through my
sponsorship of H.R. 3225. I introduced H.R. 3225 right after 9/11 and
pushed for the implementation of a uniform Federal alert standard that
would go into effect in the event of an emergency or threat against a
Federal or private facility.
We must always ensure that the safety of the American people remains
our top priority. Furthermore it is vitally important that we continue
to work together to protect Federal infrastructure from future attack.
Through the passage of this bill, we will help to ensure that the
horrible bombing on the Oklahoma City Federal building, and those lost
in the attack are never forgotten. We will also ensure that a strong
emphasis is put on the protection of Federal infrastructure across the
nation and across the globe.
I would like to again thank my colleague Representative Mary Fallin
for introducing H. Res. 1206. I ask my colleagues for their support of
this legislation as well as their continued support for the families of
those lost in the Oklahoma City Bombing and other acts of terrorism.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 1206.
Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1206, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
The title was amended so as to read: ``Resolution remembering the
victims of the attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

____________________

RECESS

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the
Chair declares the House in recess until approximately 6:30 p.m. today.
Accordingly (at 3 p.m.), the House stood in recess until
approximately 6:30 p.m.

____________________

{time} 1831
AFTER RECESS

The recess having expired, the House was called to order by the
Speaker pro tempore (Mrs. Halvorson) at 6 o'clock and 31 minutes p.m.

____________________

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings
will resume on motions to suspend the rules previously postponed.
Votes will be taken in the following order:
House Resolution 1222, by the yeas and nays;
House Resolution 1041, by the yeas and nays;
House Resolution 1042, by the yeas and nays.
The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote.
Remaining electronic votes will be conducted as 5-minute votes.

____________________

SUPPORTING NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The unfinished business is the vote on the
motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1222,
on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1222.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 397,
nays 0, not voting 32, as follows:

[Roll No. 196]

YEAS--397

Ackerman
Aderholt
Adler (NJ)
Akin
Alexander
Altmire
Andrews
Arcuri
Austria
Baca
Bachmann
Bachus
Baird
Baldwin
Barrow
Bartlett
Barton (TX)
Bean
Becerra
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Biggert
Bilirakis
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blackburn
Blumenauer
Boccieri
Boehner
Bonner
Bono Mack
Boozman
Boren
Boswell
Boucher
Boustany
Boyd
Brady (PA)
Brady (TX)
Braley (IA)
Bright
Broun (GA)
Brown (SC)
Buchanan
Burgess
Burton (IN)
Butterfield
Buyer
Calvert
Camp
Cantor
Cao
Capito
Capps
Capuano
Cardoza
Carnahan
Carson (IN)
Cassidy
Castle
Castor (FL)
Chandler
Childers
Chu
Clarke
Clay
Cleaver
Clyburn
Coble
Coffman (CO)
Cohen
Cole
Conaway
Connolly (VA)
Conyers
Cooper
Costa
Costello
Courtney
Crenshaw
Crowley
Cuellar
Culberson
Cummings
Dahlkemper
Davis (CA)
Davis (IL)
Davis (KY)
Davis (TN)
DeFazio
DeGette
DeLauro
Dent
Diaz-Balart, L.
Diaz-Balart, M.
Dicks
Dingell
Doggett
Donnelly (IN)
Doyle
Dreier
Driehaus
Duncan
Edwards (MD)
Edwards (TX)
Ehlers
Ellison
Ellsworth
Emerson
Engel
Eshoo
Etheridge
Farr
Fattah
Filner
Flake
Fleming
Forbes
Fortenberry
Foster
Foxx
Frank (MA)
Franks (AZ)
Frelinghuysen
Fudge
Garamendi
Garrett (NJ)
Gerlach
Giffords
Gingrey (GA)
Goodlatte
Gordon (TN)
Granger
Graves
Grayson
Green, Al
Green, Gene
Griffith
Guthrie
Hall (NY)
Hall (TX)
Halvorson
Hare

[[Page 5330]]

Harman
Harper
Hastings (FL)
Hastings (WA)
Heinrich
Heller
Hensarling
Herger
Herseth Sandlin
Higgins
Hill
Himes
Hinchey
Hinojosa
Hirono
Hodes
Holden
Holt
Honda
Hoyer
Hunter
Israel
Issa
Jackson (IL)
Jackson Lee (TX)
Jenkins
Johnson (GA)
Johnson (IL)
Johnson, E. B.
Johnson, Sam
Jones
Kagen
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Kennedy
Kildee
Kilpatrick (MI)
Kilroy
Kind
King (IA)
King (NY)
Kirk
Kirkpatrick (AZ)
Kissell
Klein (FL)
Kline (MN)
Kosmas
Kratovil
Kucinich
Lamborn
Lance
Langevin
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Latham
LaTourette
Latta
Lee (CA)
Levin
Lewis (CA)
Lewis (GA)
Linder
Lipinski
LoBiondo
Loebsack
Lofgren, Zoe
Lowey
Lucas
Luetkemeyer
Lujan
Lummis
Lungren, Daniel E.
Lynch
Mack
Maffei
Maloney
Manzullo
Marchant
Markey (CO)
Markey (MA)
Marshall
Matheson
Matsui
McCarthy (CA)
McCarthy (NY)
McCaul
McClintock
McCollum
McCotter
McDermott
McGovern
McHenry
McIntyre
McMahon
McMorris Rodgers
McNerney
Meek (FL)
Meeks (NY)
Melancon
Mica
Michaud
Miller (FL)
Miller (MI)
Miller (NC)
Miller, Gary
Miller, George
Minnick
Mitchell
Mollohan
Moore (KS)
Moore (WI)
Moran (KS)
Moran (VA)
Murphy (CT)
Murphy (NY)
Murphy, Patrick
Murphy, Tim
Myrick
Nadler (NY)
Napolitano
Neal (MA)
Neugebauer
Nunes
Nye
Oberstar
Obey
Olson
Olver
Ortiz
Owens
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor (AZ)
Paul
Paulsen
Payne
Pence
Perlmutter
Perriello
Peters
Peterson
Petri
Pingree (ME)
Pitts
Platts
Poe (TX)
Polis (CO)
Pomeroy
Posey
Price (GA)
Price (NC)
Putnam
Quigley
Radanovich
Rahall
Rangel
Rehberg
Reichert
Reyes
Richardson
Rodriguez
Roe (TN)
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rogers (MI)
Rohrabacher
Rooney
Ros-Lehtinen
Roskam
Ross
Rothman (NJ)
Roybal-Allard
Royce
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Ryan (WI)
Salazar
Sanchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sarbanes
Scalise
Schakowsky
Schauer
Schiff
Schmidt
Schock
Schrader
Schwartz
Scott (VA)
Sensenbrenner
Serrano
Sessions
Sestak
Shadegg
Shea-Porter
Shimkus
Shuler
Shuster
Simpson
Sires
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (NE)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Smith (WA)
Snyder
Space
Speier
Spratt
Stark
Stearns
Sullivan
Sutton
Tanner
Taylor
Teague
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Thompson (PA)
Thornberry
Tiahrt
Tiberi
Tierney
Titus
Tonko
Towns
Tsongas
Turner
Upton
Van Hollen
Velazquez
Visclosky
Walden
Walz
Wamp
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watson
Watt
Waxman
Weiner
Welch
Westmoreland
Whitfield
Wilson (OH)
Wilson (SC)
Wittman
Wolf
Woolsey
Wu
Yarmuth
Young (FL)

NOT VOTING--32

Barrett (SC)
Bilbray
Bishop (UT)
Blunt
Brown, Corrine
Brown-Waite, Ginny
Campbell
Carney
Carter
Chaffetz
Davis (AL)
Delahunt
Fallin
Gallegly
Gohmert
Gonzalez
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Hoekstra
Inglis
Inslee
Jordan (OH)
Kingston
Lee (NY)
McKeon
Ruppersberger
Scott (GA)
Sherman
Souder
Stupak
Terry
Young (AK)

{time} 1903

So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and
the resolution was agreed to.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

____________________

MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF FORMER REPRESENTATIVE BOB FRANKS OF NEW
JERSEY

(Mr. LANCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, it is with deep regret that I inform the
House of the passing of a former Member, Robert D. Franks of New
Jersey. Bob Franks died late Friday at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in
Manhattan at the age of 58.
His distinguished career of public service included membership in the
New Jersey General Assembly, where we were colleagues, chairman of the
State Republican Party, and from 1992 until 2000, as a Member of
Congress from New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District where he was
succeeded by Mike Ferguson.
In this decade, Bob has served extremely ably as the president of the
Health Care Institute of New Jersey. A graduate of DePauw University in
Green Castle, Indiana, and Southern Methodist University Law School in
Dallas, he is survived by his wonderful wife, Fran, and their beautiful
young daughters, Kelly, Sara and Abigail.
A devoted friend, colleague and mentor to me, Bob's passing at such a
young age is particularly poignant, but his shining example as a public
servant will burn brightly for decades and serve as an example to us
all.
Mr. PASCRELL. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. LANCE. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. PASCRELL. Bob Franks was a great friend. I served with him in the
New Jersey legislature. We served on opposite sides, but it did not
matter; he was a gentleman, a professional in every sense of the word.
We are going to miss him. His beautiful wife and three young children
are going to miss him. And the State of New Jersey will miss him.
This body was made better when Bob Franks walked through this
Chamber, served on major committees, and contributed to the security of
this Nation. May he rest in peace, and may we remember what he stood
for as a model of civility and bipartisanship. God bless him.

____________________

MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF FORMER REPRESENTATIVE STAN PARRIS OF
VIRGINIA

(Mr. MORAN of Virginia asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute.)
Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor former
Congressman Stan Parris, who passed away on March 27. Mr. Parris
represented the Eighth District in Virginia in the House from 1973 to
1974, and then again throughout the 1980s, from 1981 to 1990.
He was a very hardworking advocate for Northern Virginia and his
constituents. He was a fighter pilot, a veteran of the Korean War. He
earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and an Air
Medal for his service.
He was known for giving out his home phone number, for listening to
people regardless of their views; I'm not sure his successor has given
out his home phone as often. Mr. Parris had a major impact on Northern
Virginia by supporting flood control projects and bridges. He laid the
groundwork for the Four Mile Run project. He put carpool lanes on
Interstate 395. He transferred control of the airports from the Federal
Aviation Administration to a regional airport authority. He led an
effort to move the D.C. prison from Lorton. When the National Football
League blacked out broadcasts of games that were sold out, he got the
league to change its policy.
As a member of the Banking and Finance Committee, he proved prescient
in cautioning about the looming savings and loan crisis in the 1980s.
He graduated from George Washington University Law School. He owned
several car dealerships. He was a State Delegate and was on the Fairfax
County Board of Supervisors. He is survived by his wife of 28 years,
Martha Harper Parris of Mathews, Virginia, his three children, and his
two grandchildren.
I would now like to yield to my colleague, the dean of the Virginia
delegation, Congressman Frank Wolf.
Mr. WOLF. I thank the gentleman.
Madam Speaker, this is a sad occasion as we inform the House of the
passing of a former colleague, Representative Stan Parris, who died on
March 27 at the age of 80.
Stan loved the people's House and proudly served Virginia's Eighth
District for six terms. I had the privilege of serving with Stan for 10
of those 12 years. He was a good friend. He had many legislative
accomplishments for the people in northern Virginia, in addition to the
ones my colleagues, Mr. Moran, said. I think many would agree that one
most significant accomplishment was the transfer of Dulles and National
Airports from the FAA to a regional airports authority, an effort that
consumed several years, but eventually led to two of the finest
airports in the region.

[[Page 5331]]

He was not only an outstanding Member of Congress, but he was a
Korean War hero. Someone said if you wanted to understand Stan Parris,
you should read the book ``The Right Stuff'' because he had the right
stuff. He was a pilot, had been shot down during the Korean War. His
airplane landed on power lines, and he was later rescued in North
Korea. He received a Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart and
the Air Medal. He was also a State legislator and a local legislator,
businessman and attorney. He recently had made his home in Mathews,
Virginia, with his wife, Martie. And so to Martie and Stan's three
children and two grandchildren, we express our deepest sympathies.
Funeral services for Stan will be held in late June, I believe June
28, with a burial at Arlington National Cemetery. He was a good Member
of Congress, and he loved this institution as much as anybody that I
ever met.

[From the Washington Post, Mar. 29, 2010]

Stanford E. Parris, 80, Dies; N. Va. Member of Congress

(By Matt Schudel)

Stanford E. Parris, 80, who served six terms in the U.S.
House of Representatives as a Republican from Northern
Virginia's Eighth District, died March 27 of heart disease at
his home in Mathews County, Va.
Mr. Parris, who was a lawyer and car dealer before entering
politics, was first elected in 1972, then returned to
Congress from 1981 to 1991. A onetime Air Force fighter
pilot, he survived several hard-fought campaigns and was
among the first Republicans to gain a foothold in modern-day
Virginia politics.
During his first term in Congress, he won the gratitude of
football fans by introducing a bill prohibiting the National
Football League from imposing television blackouts of sold-
out games. He supported efforts to improve transportation in
Northern Virginia, including carpool lanes on Interstate 395,
and helped transfer control of Dulles and National airports
from the Federal Aviation Administration to a regional
airport authority.
As ranking Republican on the House District Committee, he
was a persistent critic of the D.C. government and often
quarreled with then-Mayor Marion Barry. Mr. Parris also led
an effort to move the D.C. prison from Lorton, which was
finally accomplished after he left Congress.
Mr. Parris possessed a blunt, direct style that served him
well on the campaign trail. He had three epic electoral
battles with Democratic Rep. Herbert E. Harris II, losing in
1974 before ousting Harris from Congress in 1980. Mr. Parris
defeated Harris in a rematch in 1982, spending $700,000 in
Virginia's most expensive congressional campaign up to that
point.
``They were tough campaigns,'' recalled U.S. Rep. Frank R.
Wolf (R-Va.), who served in Congress with Mr. Parris. ``They
were almost like the Lincoln-Douglas debates.''
Describing his political approach to The Washington Post in
1989, Mr. Parris said: ``Somewhere along the line, I learned
the best thing to do was to simply stand up and say what you
mean, mean what you say, and do what you commit to.''
Stanford Elmer Parris was born Sept. 9, 1929, in Champaign,
Ill., and was a graduate of the University of Illinois.
During the Korean War, he piloted fighter jets and was once
rescued after being shot down over North Korea. He received
the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and Air Medal.
He graduated from George Washington University law school
in 1958, settled in Fairfax County and practiced law. He
later owned car dealerships in Woodbridge and Manassas.
After serving on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors,
he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1969, as
one of nine Republicans in the body. He was Virginia's
secretary of the commonwealth in 1978.
Mr. Parris unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination
for governor in 1985 and 1989 and failed in a bid for the
Virginia state Senate in 1995. After losing his congressional
seat to James P. Moran Jr. (D) in 1990, he was administrator
of the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. and was of
counsel to the law firm of Dickstein Shapiro.
He was also a founder of the Flying Circus Aerodrome in
Bealeton, where he took part in aerobatic demonstrations.
In recent years, Mr. Parris lived in Mathews County and
Melbourne, Fla.
His marriages to Jane McCullough Parris and Sonja Parris
ended in divorce.
Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Martha Harper
Parris of Mathews County and Melbourne; three children from
his first marriage, Michael Parris of Los Angeles, Ann Parris
of Culpeper and Susan Parris Littlewood of Mount Airy; and
two grandsons.

Mr. MORAN of Virginia. I thank the gentleman. Perhaps now we could
have a few moments of silence for both departed colleagues.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The House will observe a moment of silence
in memory of our two former colleagues from New Jersey and Virginia.

____________________

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, 5-minute voting will
continue.
There was no objection.

____________________

CONGRATULATING UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING
HUMANITARIAN BOWL

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The unfinished business is the vote on the
motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1041,
on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1041.
This will be a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 394,
nays 1, answered ``present'' 2, not voting 32, as follows:

[Roll No. 197]

YEAS--394

Ackerman
Aderholt
Adler (NJ)
Akin
Alexander
Andrews
Arcuri
Austria
Baca
Bachmann
Bachus
Baird
Baldwin
Barrow
Bartlett
Barton (TX)
Bean
Becerra
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Biggert
Bilirakis
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blackburn
Blumenauer
Boccieri
Boehner
Bonner
Bono Mack
Boozman
Boren
Boswell
Boucher
Boustany
Boyd
Brady (PA)
Brady (TX)
Braley (IA)
Bright
Broun (GA)
Brown (SC)
Buchanan
Burgess
Burton (IN)
Butterfield
Buyer
Calvert
Camp
Cao
Capito
Capps
Capuano
Cardoza
Carnahan
Carson (IN)
Cassidy
Castle
Castor (FL)
Chandler
Childers
Chu
Clarke
Clay
Cleaver
Clyburn
Coble
Coffman (CO)
Cohen
Cole
Conaway
Connolly (VA)
Conyers
Cooper
Costa
Costello
Courtney
Crenshaw
Crowley
Cuellar
Culberson
Cummings
Dahlkemper
Davis (CA)
Davis (IL)
Davis (KY)
Davis (TN)
DeGette
Delahunt
DeLauro
Dent
Diaz-Balart, L.
Diaz-Balart, M.
Dicks
Dingell
Doggett
Donnelly (IN)
Doyle
Dreier
Driehaus
Duncan
Edwards (MD)
Ehlers
Ellison
Ellsworth
Emerson
Engel
Eshoo
Etheridge
Farr
Fattah
Filner
Flake
Fleming
Forbes
Fortenberry
Foster
Foxx
Frank (MA)
Franks (AZ)
Frelinghuysen
Fudge
Garamendi
Garrett (NJ)
Gerlach
Giffords
Gingrey (GA)
Goodlatte
Gordon (TN)
Granger
Graves
Grayson
Green, Al
Green, Gene
Griffith
Guthrie
Hall (NY)
Hall (TX)
Halvorson
Hare
Harman
Harper
Hastings (FL)
Hastings (WA)
Heinrich
Heller
Hensarling
Herger
Herseth Sandlin
Higgins
Hill
Himes
Hinchey
Hinojosa
Hirono
Hodes
Holden
Holt
Honda
Hoyer
Hunter
Israel
Issa
Jackson (IL)
Jackson Lee (TX)
Jenkins
Johnson (GA)
Johnson (IL)
Johnson, E. B.
Johnson, Sam
Jones
Kagen
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Kennedy
Kildee
Kilpatrick (MI)
Kilroy
Kind
King (IA)
King (NY)
Kirk
Kirkpatrick (AZ)
Kissell
Klein (FL)
Kline (MN)
Kosmas
Kratovil
Kucinich
Lamborn
Lance
Langevin
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Latham
LaTourette
Latta
Lee (CA)
Levin
Lewis (CA)
Lewis (GA)
Linder
Lipinski
LoBiondo
Loebsack
Lofgren, Zoe
Lowey
Lucas
Luetkemeyer
Lujan
Lummis
Lungren, Daniel E.
Lynch
Mack
Maffei
Maloney
Manzullo
Marchant
Markey (CO)
Markey (MA)
Marshall
Matheson
Matsui
McCarthy (CA)
McCarthy (NY)
McCaul
McClintock
McCollum
McCotter
McDermott
McGovern
McHenry
McIntyre
McMahon
McMorris Rodgers
McNerney
Meek (FL)
Meeks (NY)
Melancon
Mica
Michaud
Miller (FL)
Miller (MI)
Miller (NC)
Miller, Gary
Miller, George
Minnick
Mitchell
Mollohan
Moore (KS)
Moore (WI)
Moran (KS)
Moran (VA)
Murphy (CT)
Murphy (NY)
Murphy, Patrick
Murphy, Tim
Myrick
Nadler (NY)
Napolitano
Neal (MA)
Neugebauer
Nunes
Nye
Obey
Olson
Olver
Ortiz
Owens
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor (AZ)
Paul
Paulsen
Payne

[[Page 5332]]

Pence
Perlmutter
Perriello
Peters
Peterson
Petri
Pingree (ME)
Pitts
Platts
Poe (TX)
Polis (CO)
Pomeroy
Posey
Price (GA)
Price (NC)
Putnam
Quigley
Radanovich
Rahall
Rangel
Rehberg
Reichert
Reyes
Richardson
Rodriguez
Roe (TN)
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rogers (MI)
Rohrabacher
Rooney
Ros-Lehtinen
Roskam
Ross
Rothman (NJ)
Roybal-Allard
Royce
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Ryan (WI)
Salazar
Sanchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sarbanes
Scalise
Schakowsky
Schauer
Schiff
Schmidt
Schock
Schrader
Schwartz
Scott (VA)
Sensenbrenner
Serrano
Sessions
Sestak
Shadegg
Shea-Porter
Shimkus
Shuler
Shuster
Simpson
Sires
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (NE)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Smith (WA)
Snyder
Space
Speier
Spratt
Stark
Stearns
Stupak
Sullivan
Sutton
Tanner
Taylor
Teague
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Thompson (PA)
Thornberry
Tiahrt
Tiberi
Tierney
Titus
Tonko
Towns
Tsongas
Turner
Upton
Van Hollen
Velazquez
Visclosky
Walden
Walz
Wamp
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watson
Watt
Waxman
Weiner
Welch
Westmoreland
Whitfield
Wilson (OH)
Wilson (SC)
Wittman
Wolf
Woolsey
Wu
Yarmuth
Young (FL)

NAYS--1

Altmire

ANSWERED ``PRESENT''--2

DeFazio
Oberstar

NOT VOTING--32

Barrett (SC)
Bilbray
Bishop (UT)
Blunt
Brown, Corrine
Brown-Waite, Ginny
Campbell
Cantor
Carney
Carter
Chaffetz
Davis (AL)
Edwards (TX)
Fallin
Gallegly
Gohmert
Gonzalez
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Hoekstra
Inglis
Inslee
Jordan (OH)
Kingston
Lee (NY)
McKeon
Ruppersberger
Scott (GA)
Sherman
Souder
Terry
Young (AK)

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

The SPEAKER pro tempore (during the vote). Less than 2 minutes remain
in this vote.

{time} 1918

____________________

MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF VICTIMS OF WEST VIRGINIA MINE DISASTER

(Mr. RAHALL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, it was 1 week and 1 day ago that a
devastating blast in a coal mine outside of my hometown took the lives
of 29 courageous coal miners. One more is hanging on in the hospital.
I ask that the House have a moment of silent prayer for those who
have lost their lives in this tragedy.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The House will observe a moment of silence
in respect of the memory of those victimized by the tragedy in West
Virginia.

____________________

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, 5-minute voting will
continue.
There was no objection.

____________________

CONGRATULATING BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING 2010
FIESTA BOWL

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The unfinished business is the vote on the
motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1042,
on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1042.
This will be a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 385,
nays 1, answered ``present'' 3, not voting 40, as follows:

[Roll No. 198]

YEAS--385

Ackerman
Aderholt
Adler (NJ)
Akin
Alexander
Andrews
Arcuri
Austria
Baca
Bachmann
Bachus
Baird
Baldwin
Barrow
Bartlett
Barton (TX)
Bean
Becerra
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Biggert
Bilirakis
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blackburn
Blumenauer
Boccieri
Bonner
Bono Mack
Boozman
Boren
Boswell
Boucher
Boustany
Boyd
Brady (PA)
Brady (TX)
Braley (IA)
Bright
Broun (GA)
Brown (SC)
Buchanan
Burgess
Burton (IN)
Butterfield
Buyer
Calvert
Camp
Cao
Capito
Capps
Capuano
Cardoza
Carnahan
Carson (IN)
Cassidy
Castle
Castor (FL)
Chandler
Childers
Chu
Clarke
Clay
Cleaver
Clyburn
Coble
Coffman (CO)
Cohen
Cole
Conaway
Connolly (VA)
Conyers
Cooper
Costa
Costello
Courtney
Crenshaw
Crowley
Cuellar
Culberson
Cummings
Dahlkemper
Davis (CA)
Davis (IL)
Davis (KY)
Davis (TN)
DeGette
Delahunt
DeLauro
Dent
Diaz-Balart, L.
Diaz-Balart, M.
Dicks
Dingell
Doggett
Donnelly (IN)
Doyle
Dreier
Driehaus
Duncan
Edwards (MD)
Ehlers
Ellison
Ellsworth
Emerson
Engel
Eshoo
Etheridge
Farr
Fattah
Filner
Flake
Fleming
Forbes
Fortenberry
Foster
Foxx
Frank (MA)
Franks (AZ)
Frelinghuysen
Fudge
Garamendi
Garrett (NJ)
Gerlach
Giffords
Gingrey (GA)
Goodlatte
Graves
Grayson
Green, Al
Green, Gene
Griffith
Guthrie
Hall (NY)
Hall (TX)
Halvorson
Hare
Harman
Harper
Hastings (FL)
Hastings (WA)
Heinrich
Heller
Hensarling
Herger
Herseth Sandlin
Higgins
Hill
Himes
Hinchey
Hinojosa
Hirono
Holden
Holt
Honda
Hoyer
Hunter
Israel
Issa
Jackson (IL)
Jackson Lee (TX)
Jenkins
Johnson (GA)
Johnson (IL)
Johnson, E. B.
Johnson, Sam
Jones
Kagen
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Kennedy
Kildee
Kilpatrick (MI)
Kilroy
Kind
King (IA)
King (NY)
Kirk
Kirkpatrick (AZ)
Kissell
Klein (FL)
Kline (MN)
Kosmas
Kratovil
Kucinich
Lamborn
Lance
Langevin
Larson (CT)
Latham
Latta
Lee (CA)
Levin
Lewis (CA)
Lewis (GA)
Lipinski
LoBiondo
Loebsack
Lofgren, Zoe
Lowey
Lucas
Luetkemeyer
Lujan
Lummis
Lungren, Daniel E.
Lynch
Mack
Maffei
Maloney
Manzullo
Marchant
Markey (CO)
Markey (MA)
Marshall
Matheson
Matsui
McCarthy (CA)
McCarthy (NY)
McCaul
McClintock
McCollum
McCotter
McDermott
McGovern
McHenry
McIntyre
McMahon
McMorris Rodgers
McNerney
Meek (FL)
Meeks (NY)
Melancon
Mica
Michaud
Miller (FL)
Miller (MI)
Miller (NC)
Miller, Gary
Miller, George
Minnick
Mitchell
Mollohan
Moore (KS)
Moore (WI)
Moran (KS)
Moran (VA)
Murphy (CT)
Murphy (NY)
Murphy, Patrick
Murphy, Tim
Myrick
Nadler (NY)
Napolitano
Neal (MA)
Neugebauer
Nunes
Nye
Obey
Olson
Olver
Ortiz
Owens
Pallone
Pastor (AZ)
Paul
Paulsen
Payne
Pence
Perlmutter
Perriello
Peters
Peterson
Petri
Pingree (ME)
Pitts
Platts
Poe (TX)
Polis (CO)
Pomeroy
Posey
Price (GA)
Price (NC)
Putnam
Quigley
Radanovich
Rahall
Rangel
Rehberg
Reichert
Reyes
Richardson
Rodriguez
Roe (TN)
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rogers (MI)
Rohrabacher
Rooney
Ros-Lehtinen
Roskam
Ross
Rothman (NJ)
Roybal-Allard
Royce
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Ryan (WI)
Salazar
Sanchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sarbanes
Scalise
Schakowsky
Schauer
Schiff
Schmidt
Schock
Schrader
Schwartz
Scott (VA)
Sensenbrenner
Serrano
Sessions
Sestak
Shadegg
Shea-Porter
Shimkus
Shuler
Shuster
Simpson
Sires
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (NE)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Snyder
Space
Speier
Spratt
Stark
Stearns
Stupak
Sullivan
Sutton
Tanner
Taylor
Teague
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Thompson (PA)
Thornberry
Tiahrt
Tiberi
Tierney
Titus
Tonko
Towns
Tsongas
Turner
Upton
Van Hollen
Velazquez
Visclosky
Walden
Walz
Wamp
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watson
Watt
Waxman
Weiner
Welch
Westmoreland
Whitfield
Wilson (OH)
Wilson (SC)
Wittman
Wolf
Woolsey
Wu
Yarmuth
Young (FL)

NAYS--1

Altmire

ANSWERED ``PRESENT''--3

DeFazio
Granger
Oberstar

[[Page 5333]]

NOT VOTING--40

Barrett (SC)
Bilbray
Bishop (UT)
Blunt
Boehner
Brown, Corrine
Brown-Waite, Ginny
Campbell
Cantor
Carney
Carter
Chaffetz
Davis (AL)
Edwards (TX)
Fallin
Gallegly
Gohmert
Gonzalez
Gordon (TN)
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Hodes
Hoekstra
Inglis
Inslee
Jordan (OH)
Kingston
Larsen (WA)
LaTourette
Lee (NY)
Linder
McKeon
Pascrell
Ruppersberger
Scott (GA)
Sherman
Smith (WA)
Souder
Terry
Young (AK)

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

The SPEAKER pro tempore (during the vote). Less than 2 minutes remain
in this vote.

{time} 1927

____________________

PERSONAL EXPLANATION

Mr. INSLEE. Madam Speaker, today, I was attending to official
business in my district, and missed votes on the following three bills
considered under suspension of the rules: H. Res. 1222, H. Res. 1041,
and H. Res. 1042.
On H. Res. 1222, supporting the goals and ideals of National Library
Week, I would have voted ``aye.''
On H. Res. 1041, congratulating and commending the University of
Idaho's football team for winning the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise,
Idaho, I would have voted ``aye.''
On H. Res. 1042, commending the Boise State University Broncos
football team for winning the 2010 Fiesta Bowl, I would have voted
``aye.''

____________________

REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 413

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be
removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 413.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Tennessee?
There was no objection.

____________________

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE

The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following
communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives:

Office of the Clerk,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, April 13, 2010.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
The Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Madam Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in
Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of
Representatives, I have the honor to transmit a sealed
envelope received from the White House on Tuesday, April 13,
2010 at 3:24 p.m., and said to contain a message from the
President whereby he submits to the Congress a copy of an
Executive Order, with an annex attached, he has issued with
respect to Somalia.
With best wishes, I am
Sincerely,
Lorraine C. Miller,
Clerk of the House.

____________________

EXECUTIVE ORDER WITH RESPECT TO SOMALIA--MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF
THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. NO. 111-103)

The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following message
from the President of the United States; which was read and, together
with the accompanying papers, referred to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs and ordered to be printed:

To the Congress of the United States:
Consistent with subsection 204(b) of the International Emergency
Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(b) (IEEPA), and section 301 of the
National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1631 (NEA), I hereby report that I
have issued an Executive Order (the ``order'') blocking the property of
certain persons contributing to the conflict in Somalia. In that order,
I declared a national emergency to deal with the unusual and
extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the
United States posed by that conflict, as described below.
The United Nations Security Council, in Resolution 1844 of November
20, 2008, reaffirmed its condemnation of all acts of violence in
Somalia and incitement to violence inside Somalia, and expressed its
concern at all acts intended to prevent or block a peaceful political
process. United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1844 also
expressed grave concern over the recent increase in acts of piracy and
armed robbery at sea against vessels off the coast of Somalia, and
noted the role piracy may play in financing violations of the arms
embargo on Somalia imposed by UNSCR 733 of January 23, 1992. In UNSCR
1844, the United Nations Security Council determined that the situation
in Somalia poses a threat to international peace and security in the
region and called on member States to apply certain measures against
persons responsible for the continuing conflict. The United Nations
Security Council has continued to express grave concern about the
crisis in Somalia in UNSCR 1846 of December 2, 2008, UNSCR 1851 of
December 16, 2008, and UNSCR 1872 of May 26, 2009.
Pursuant to the IEEPA and the NEA, I have determined that the
deterioration of the security situation and the persistence of violence
in Somalia, and acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast
of Somalia, constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the
national security and foreign policy of the United States. The order
declares a national emergency to deal with this threat.
The order is not targeted at the entire country of Somalia, but
rather is intended to target those who threaten peace and stability in
Somalia, who inhibit the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Somalia
or the distribution of such assistance in Somalia, or who supply arms
or related materiel in violation of the arms embargo. The order blocks
the property and interests in property in the United States, or in the
possession or control of United States persons, of the persons listed
in the Annex to the order, as well as of any person determined by the
Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State:

[[Page 5334]]

person (defined as an individual or entity) determined to be owned or
controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf
of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in
property are blocked pursuant to the order.
I delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with
the Secretary of State, the authority to take such actions, including
the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers
granted to the President by IEEPA and the United Nations Participation
Act, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the order. All
executive agencies are directed to take all appropriate measures within
their authority to carry out the provisions of the order.
The order, a copy of which is enclosed, became effective at 12:01
a.m. eastern daylight time on April 13, 2010.
Barack Obama.
The White House, April 13, 2010.

____________________

CONDOLENCES FOR POLAND

(Mr. QUIGLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute.)
Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to join my Polish
American constituents, the Polish nation, and the world in mourning
those who perished in this weekend's tragic plane crash. The crash that
killed President Lech Kaczynski of Poland, his First Lady, and many
ranking military and civilian officers was aptly described by one paper
as ``literally a nation colliding with its past.''
Poland is and has been a true friend and ally of the United States.
Our two nations just recently celebrated 90 years of diplomatic
relations. The contributions of Polish Americans to the United States
are numerous. From the families who lost loved ones in the plane crash
to the nation of Poland and to Chicago's own shaken Polish American
community, this loss will be felt around the world for years to come.
We will stand with our friends as they find the resilience to emerge
stronger, as they have before, following this unimaginable tragedy. I
look forward to Poland's recovery and reemergence as a country that can
and will overcome.

____________________

REMARKS ON TOM OOSTERHOUDT'S 60TH BIRTHDAY

(Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am delighted to wish a happy
birthday to my good friend and Key West community leader Tom
Oosterhoudt. This Thursday night, the 15th, Tom will be surrounded by
many community activists from the Keys to celebrate. Tom will be
turning 60. He has done so much to improve the Keys way of life. He is
always a positive and an energetic person. He is a wonderful part of
Keys life.
He is the editor and publisher of Conch Color, a magazine for the
Florida Keys. Tom covers a multitude of events going on every day in
the Keys, like the annual Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest, the
Harry Truman Symposium at the Little White House.
Tom, thanks for covering all the many positive folks who work every
day to improve the daily woes that Keys residents face: the housing
shortage, the high cost of living, the unemployment problem, downstairs
enclosures, high insurance rates. But with your help, with working
together with leaders like Tom, we can work to improve paradise every
day.
Tom, I hope you have a great celebration. I wish that I could be with
your many friends and family members. You are an outstanding part of
what makes the Florida Keys such an incredible place. Congratulations.

____________________

INTRODUCING THE CARRY-ON FAIRNESS ACT

(Mr. BISHOP of New York asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute.)
Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, flying the friendly skies for
a commercial passenger is about to get even more expensive. Adding
insult to travel delays, fees for checked-in luggage, and taxes already
added to airfares, Spirit Airlines announced last week that it will be
the first to charge fees for carry-on bags.
I am introducing a bill this evening to block Spirit and any other
airline from ever being allowed to impose this unfair and completely
unnecessary carry-on tax. If Spirit has its way, this fee could cost
every passenger up to $45 per item. Such nickel-and-diming the flying
public has got to stop.
America should know that this tax would not pay for airport security
or better infrastructure. One hundred percent of it would be kept by
the airlines. If you are a family with young children or a senior who
puts your medicine in a carry-on, this fee will hit you the hardest.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this bill to spare
Americans from yet another tax on flying and discourage other airlines
from ever considering charging it.

____________________

WE ALL GRIEVE WITH THE PEOPLE OF POLAND

(Mrs. MILLER of Michigan asked and was given permission to address
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, this past Saturday, April 10,
2010, the people of Poland suffered an unspeakable tragedy. The world
lost a great leader and the United States lost a true friend with the
death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, and much of the Polish
leadership as well, that died in that plane crash in Russia.
President Kaczynski was a staunch supporter of freedom. Early in his
life, he was a leader in the fight against communism. As a lawyer in
Gdansk, he became an adviser to the Solidarity movement in the late
1970s. During martial law in 1981, he was jailed because the government
thought he was an antisocialist element.
When Poland shed the yoke of communism, Lech Kaczynski continued to
serve Poland until his death. He served as a senator, as the vice chair
of Solidarity, as a member of Parliament, as the mayor of Warsaw, as
the Minister of Justice, and Attorney General, and finally as President
of Poland for the last 5 years.
He was a true friend of America, Madam Speaker. He fought corruption
because he believed it was an impediment to justice and freedom. And we
all mourn with the people of Poland at the loss of this true Polish
patriot. May our great friend rest in peace.

____________________

EIGHTEEN STATES SAY ``NO'' TO THE FEDS

(Mr. POE of Texas asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute.)
Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, the States are fighting back and
saying ``no'' to the government's oppressive takeover of health care.
Eighteen States, including Texas, have joined in suing the government.
Never before in American history have so many States banded together to
claim a Federal law is unconstitutional.
The Constitution does not permit the Federal Government to force
citizens to buy a government-ordained product like health insurance or
face a penalty. The unconstitutional law also hires 16,000 more IRS
agents to rifle through the financial records of citizens to make sure
they are buying that mandated government product. Now, isn't that
lovely?
Madam Speaker, the 10th Amendment states, in part, the powers not
delegated to the United States are reserved to the States or the
people. An objective reading of the Constitution seems to indicate the
States have a legitimate complaint. These 18 States should be commended
for protecting their citizens from the Federal Government's unlawful,
unwarranted intrusion into the private lives of the citizens.
And that's just the way it is.

[[Page 5335]]

____________________

RED BULLS WELCOME HOME CEREMONY

(Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute.)
Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, this past weekend, Minnesota officially
said ``Welcome Home'' to over 1,000 citizen soldiers who had been
serving in Iraq. Today, I ask Congress to join me in also saying thank
you to these men and women of the Minnesota National Guard's 34th
Infantry Division, also known as the Red Bulls.
These brave servicemembers were among the longest-serving National
Guard units in all of Iraq. They endured long deployments away from
family, away from friends, and they even faced bureaucratic delays in
receiving the bonus pay that they had been promised and earned, an
unacceptable mistake that was finally addressed in recent weeks. All
the while, they did what they always do: they fulfilled their mission
to the very best of their abilities. The Red Bulls' accomplishments
have been vital to ensuring safety for both Iraqis and Americans
serving.
And on behalf of a grateful station and a grateful Nation, I say
thank you for a job well done.

____________________

HEALTH CARE REFORM AND SOCIALISM

(Mr. BURTON of Indiana asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, a lot of people in this country
thought that the health care bill was a move toward socialism, toward
government control over the entire health care industry. But, you know,
we went ahead and passed it anyhow, even though probably 60-some
percent of the American people opposed it.
But I just want to say tonight to my Democratic colleagues who pushed
so hard for it, who said it wasn't a move toward government control and
socialism, there is one foreign leader who really thinks it was a great
move in the right direction, and that is the Communist leader from
Cuba, Fidel Castro, who contacted the President of the United States
and said it was a giant step in the right direction. That ought to tell
us something.

____________________

{time} 1945
SPECIAL ORDERS

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 6, 2009, and under a previous order of the House, the following
Members will be recognized for 5 minutes each.

____________________

HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ELYRIA POLICE OFFICER JAMES KERSTETTER

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. SUTTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor
the life and service of Elyria Police Officer James Kerstetter.
On March 15, Officer Kerstetter was tragically shot and killed in the
line of duty while responding to a domestic call. He made the ultimate
sacrifice, putting his life on the line to protect another.
Officer Kerstetter was a committed public servant. He was a member of
the department for 15 years. He was a member of the SWAT team and
taught the rookie officers at the department. He was the lead crash
investigator, and prior to joining the police force he served with the
Lorain County Sheriff's Department.
But even more importantly, he was the loving and devoted husband of
wife Tammy and the proud father of three daughters--Misty, Shelby, and
Bailey.
James Kerstetter was known as ``Sponge'' to his fellow officers and
was affectionately called ``Jimmy'' by his family. Jimmy was a humble
family man, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. He never
wished for the spotlight, but he touched the lives of people all across
the community with his outgoing spirit. His death has been a shock to
his family, the city of Elyria, and numerous communities throughout
Ohio.
Over the past weeks, we have seen just how much he meant to so very
many. Jimmy knew that his family and the city of Elyria are worth the
service that he dedicated himself to, a community he grew up in, he
served in, and he embraced. His memory will live on in the hearts of
family, friends, and the community of Elyria that he touched so very
deeply. He is and always will be a community hero, a national hero.

____________________

RECOGNIZING FRED S. ZEIDMAN

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Neugebauer) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fred
Zeidman. Fred is a man of remarkable character and passion who has
dedicated his work to remembering the Holocaust and educating future
generations on the many lessons learned from this tragedy.
In March, 2002, Fred was appointed chairman of the United States
Holocaust Memorial Council by President George W. Bush. The museum is a
living memorial to the Holocaust and serves as a point of inspiration
for countless numbers worldwide to promote human dignity, confront
hatred, and prevention genocide. Since 1993, the museum has welcomed
nearly 30 million visitors.
As chairman, Fred is leading the museum's plans for a promising
future, including building the institution's endowment campaign and
increasing educational opportunities for students. He has worked
tirelessly at the helm of the museum to broaden the focus beyond just
telling the story of the Holocaust to thoroughly examining the
tragedy's lessons and legacy. One of Fred's greatest accomplishments as
chairman of the museum has been developing the profile and influence of
the Committee on Conscience and, in turn, calling increased attention
to genocide around the world.
This week, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum is honoring Fred at its
National Tribute Dinner. I can't think of anybody that deserves this
any more. Fred is a dedicated and visionary leader who has guided the
transformation of the museum into a global institution that challenges
people everywhere to remember, to learn, and to act. Inspired by the
survivors and their legacy, Fred has helped place the museum at the
forefront of Holocaust education and worked tirelessly to empower
leaders and citizens alike to create a more just world. The Holocaust
Museum today is stronger because of his leadership and dedication.
Not only is Fred Zeidman known for his work here in Washington but
also he's a fellow Texan and a leader in the business and Jewish
communities in Houston.
I have had the great opportunity of working with Fred through AIPAC
for several years now and have seen firsthand his tireless devotion to
this great American institution. Today, I am proud to honor Fred upon
his recognition at the National Tribute Dinner and the many successes
the Holocaust Museum has seen in recent years.
Fred, thank you for your service as chairman of the Holocaust Museum.
I look forward to your continued leadership in the future.

____________________

RECOGNIZING VIRGINIA SHELTON

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my chief
caseworker, Virginia Shelton, who will retire at the end of this month
after 25 years of service to the Illinois 17th Congressional District
and our Nation.
Ginny, as she is known by her friends and colleagues, handled one of
the most important jobs in any congressional office: outreach to
veterans.
My predecessor, Lane Evans, had a great reputation for fighting for
our Nation's heroes. I have sought to continue that legacy. But the
constant behind both of our efforts has always

[[Page 5336]]

been Ginny, who has dedicated not just her career but her entire life
to the men and women who served our Nation in uniform. She is known for
spending countless hours explaining each and every right to veterans
who are looking to exercise them. She built invaluable relationships
with VA staff, putting herself in the best position to advocate for the
constituents who sought her help. She studied hard and made herself an
expert on VA disability, health care, and other crucial benefits.
For Ginny, serving our veterans was a labor of love. Whether it was
on the phone or over a drink at a VFW, Ginny listened and learned about
the lives of our veterans. She knew them personally. She was not only
an advocate, she was their friend. Their struggle was her struggle. She
recognized that behind every case file was a human being, and she
understood that when it comes to our veterans, justice delayed is
justice denied.
Ginny was passionate about the issues of veterans' homelessness. Each
and every year, she was active in the local Stand Down, an event where
our homeless heroes are provided haircuts, food, medical care, a place
to stay for the night, and counseling. She believed that our Nation
should have a Stand Down 365 days a year. Inspired by her efforts, I
introduced a bill last year to reduce veterans' homelessness.
Ginny was instrumental in helping me secure a VA outpatient clinic
for Whiteside County. The VA predicts approximately 2,500 veterans will
use this facility during its first year of operation. Thanks to Ginny,
many veterans will no longer have to travel hours upon hours just to
receive basic care.
Ginny also managed my nominations to America's service academies,
fully investing herself in the process to ensure our young people get
the best opportunities possible. She always made sure students filled
out their applications fully and got them in on time. She treated each
applicant as if they were one of her own kids. I know one her favorite
things to do is visit the academies and see firsthand the young men and
women who will be our future warriors.
Ginny has been a wonderful friend to my wife, Beckie, and me for many
years. I know her late husband, Jack, himself a Marine, is very proud
of her today. There are many things I will miss about Ginny: her sense
of humor, that unmistakable voice, her invaluable advice and guidance.
But it is our veterans who will miss her the most. Her retirement is
the end of an era, but I know she will continue her great work going
forward. She leaves a legacy marked by selfless service to our Nation
and its heroes. And for all the work she has done for our veterans,
Ginny Shelton is a hero in her own right.
Ginny, thank you. Thank you so much for 25 years of wonderful work.

____________________

MEDICARE FRAUD

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) is recognized for 5
minutes.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, this morning, my good friend and
Florida colleague Congressman Ron Klein and I held a press conference
at the Little Havana Activity and Nutrition Center where we unveiled
our bipartisan anti-Medicare fraud bill.
Medicare fraud is a problem that hurts our most vulnerable citizens.
Our South Florida community knows firsthand the hardship that it
creates. In 2008, approximately $703 million in false Medicare claims
originated from South Florida. Last year, that figure rose to $952
million from South Florida.
Our community needs to say in no uncertain terms that fraud and abuse
in Medicare will not be tolerated and that our seniors will not be
preyed upon by opportunistic vandals. That is why Congressman Ron Klein
and I filed the Medicare Fraud Enforcement and Prevention Act. This
legislation will help curb the fraud in the Medicare system. It will
not only toughen the penalties on those individuals who engage in fraud
but it will also help implement new screening procedures and biometric
checks for all Medicare claims and services.
Medicare fraud is not isolated to cases that involve rogue
individuals. Unfortunately, the reality is that more and more Medicare
fraud is being perpetrated by groups that are organized and are
sophisticated in their technique. This bipartisan bill will help catch
up existing rules and regulations with the reality of today's threats.
Fraud and abuse costs the Medicare system billions of dollars each
year. It costs the system, in fact, $60 billion every year. It harms
the health care industry as a whole, and it undermines the market for
legitimate health care products. It hurts legitimate suppliers who
cannot compete with illegitimate suppliers who pad their income by
billing for services that they never rendered. Fraud undermines public
confidence in health care providers.
The Klein-Ros-Lehtinen bill will create a strong deterrent for would-
be criminals by doubling the fines and jail time for those convicted of
scamming the Medicare system. It creates a new offense for illegally
distributing a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary ID and establishes a
penalty of 3 years in prison and a fine equivalent to the dollar amount
stolen from Medicare. The Klein-Ros-Lehtinen bill doubles the criminal
penalty for making false statements and for violating the anti-kickback
statute from 5 to 10 years in prison and from $25,000 to a $50,000
fine. The Klein-Ros-Lehtinen bill will also create a pilot program that
will implement biometric technology to ensure that Medicare
beneficiaries are physically present to receive those services. This
bill mandates strict background checks for Medicare suppliers that
would be carried out before they start cashing those taxpayer checks.
Since its inception in the year 2007, Miami-Dade County's interagency
Medicare Strike Force has helped stem the tide of Medicare fraud in our
South Florida community. It has gotten more than $220 million in court-
ordered restitution to Medicare from defendants in 87 separate cases.
The task force has saved Medicare approximately $1.75 billion in phony
claim submissions. But, Madam Speaker, lamentably there is so much more
that needs to be done.
The bill that Ron Klein and I have filed today will help give law
enforcement the tools necessary to make even more arrests and to crack
down on fraud in a more efficient and effective manner. It will direct
the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide real-time access
to data regarding fraud that will then be given to local law
enforcement officials. The Klein-Ros-Lehtinen bill also directs the
GAO, the Government Accountability Office, to follow up with Medicare
contractors and report back to us in Congress with recommendations to
make this system work even better for seniors all across the country.

____________________

STOP THE FREELANCE SPYING AT THE PENTAGON

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, a war that is illegitimate with no
continued justification inevitably will be managed irresponsibly. But
sometimes the excesses and the incompetence continue to shock me.
The Pentagon is now investigating a rogue spy operation that
allegedly used private contractors to carry out attacks on militants
and paid them inappropriately using a legitimate information-gathering
program as a cover. It seems a Pentagon official named Michael Furlong
was hiring private firms to gather intelligence about the whereabouts
of top insurgents with the goal of hunting them down and killing them.

{time} 2000

And the whole time he was claiming simply to be involved in an above-
board project to give us a better understanding of Afghan society and
culture.
The CIA, the United States Government's legitimate intelligence-
gathering agency, felt that its work was undermined by Mr. Furlong's
freelance shenanigans. And it was the CIA's complaints that finally
shut Mr. Furlong down and prompted the investigation. You know you've
gone off the deep end

[[Page 5337]]

when the CIA thinks your covert operation is beyond the pale.
No one can say for sure who was supervising or approving Mr.
Furlong's operation, and apparently some of the money he was given
control over has gone missing.
Mr. Furlong was something of a cowboy, actually. According to news
accounts, he liked to brag about having a notorious Iran Contra figure
on the payroll, and he likened his contractors to fictional movie
assassins.
But this isn't a movie, Madam Speaker. It's not like we can all go
home with a clear conscience after the lights come up and the credits
roll. There are grave life-and-death consequences to the decisions made
inside the Pentagon. And while a movie costs us maybe $12, this war in
Afghanistan is costing us millions every single day.
It's bad enough that this Congress is repeatedly asked to sign
another check to pay for a war that is bankrupting our country and
failing to advance our national security interests. But then we learn
that the money being authorized, which I have consistently voted
against, is being used on secret and illegal operations for which there
is no transparency or accountability. And this is just the latest
example of private contractors being used to carry out questionable
wartime activities to get around the rules governing military
operations.
It's an encouraging sign, however, that the Pentagon has begun to
look into Furlong's operation, and this episode has prompted Secretary
Gates to order a review of all the military's information operations
programs to make sure everything is on the up-and-up. I'm expecting the
oversight committee of this body to ask some tough questions. I can't
imagine how we can debate another supplemental unless we've demanded
and received answers about Mr. Furlong's spy ring and other possible
wrongdoing.
It has to stop, Madam Speaker. It's time to rein in the contractors,
and it's time to bring our valiant troops home.
We know there is a better way to fight terrorism and rebuild
Afghanistan. It's time to turn our approach to national security upside
down. We need a smarter strategy. We need to show American compassion,
not American aggression.
We need a humanitarian surge, not a military surge. Instead of
troops, we need to send aid workers and other civilian experts. That is
the best counterterrorism approach of all. That is what will give
Afghan people hope for a better life. That is what will build a durable
peace.

____________________

THE THIRD FRONT--PAGE II

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I bring you news from the third
front, and that's the war for this Nation's national security on our
southern border with Mexico.
We are engaged in three conflicts, three wars: the one in
Afghanistan, the one in Iraq, and the border war on our southern
border.
The $40 billion a year illicit drug trade in Mexico has resulted in a
vicious wave of violence in northern Mexico. Over 18,000 Mexican
nationals have been killed in recent years by the criminal drug
cartels, most of those, innocent civilians; but also many of them are
the competition among the drug cartels. And they're fighting for
control of the routes that lead into the United States where those drug
cartels can sell their wares.
Just a few days ago there was a bombing at the United States Embassy
in Nuevo Laredo, just on the border. Recently, a pregnant U.S. Embassy
employee and her husband were murdered in Juarez, Mexico, right in
front of their young daughter and other witnesses.
And in 2008 there were 1,500 murders in Juarez, Mexico alone; and
this year, over 500 people have been killed. To put it in perspective,
in 2008 there were only 300 murders in all of Houston, a city that
dwarfs the size of Juarez, Mexico. And the violence is escalating.
Good people are abandoning the border cities in Mexico and fleeing
further into the interior, and some are fleeing to the United States to
stay with relatives, all because of the violence on the U.S.-Mexico
border.
And people in this country who say that the violence on the border
won't come into the United States live in blissful ignorance of
reality. It's already here.
In the El Paso sector of the Border Patrol in Texas, our agents are
being targeted by the Azteca hitmen for the Juarez drug cartel. The
Azteca gang is a group of individuals who work for the drug cartel, the
Juarez drug cartel, and their primary mission is to enforce the ability
to bring drugs into the United States. And now we understand our Border
Patrol agents in the El Paso sector are being targeted to be shot and
kidnapped and murdered by these hitmen. They're after our Border Patrol
agents.
And recently, as recently as today, we've learned that there is a
$250,000 bounty on our Border Patrol agents for their murder and for
their kidnapping. The drug cartels are putting out these hits on our
Border Patrol agents because they are enforcing the rule of law and
keeping the drug cartels out of this country to the best of their
ability.
This is serious. This is violence. And it's being perpetrated by the
drug cartels against Americans, both in Mexico, Mexicans in Mexico, and
Americans in the United States.
Unfortunately, too many people in Washington, D.C. are closing their
eyes to reality. They don't see that the violence has already spread
into the United States.
Madam Speaker, there are 14 counties in Texas that border Mexico. And
recently I called each of those 14 sheriffs and asked them this
question: How many people in your county jail are foreign nationals
charged with crimes in the United States, other than immigration
violations? How many are charged with felonies, misdemeanors, crimes of
violence? And they told me that 37 percent of the people in the border
county jails in Texas are foreign nationals charged with crimes, not
immigration violations. So we see that the crime in Mexico on the
border is coming into the United States and affecting our border
counties.
And these counties are not rich, wealthy counties. They don't have
the money to try, prosecute and house these individuals.
We shouldn't wait till something tragic happens before we do
something about it. There are border incursions every day by these
criminal drug cartels, and now there are reports that the drug cartels
are cloning Border Patrol vehicles so that they can bring drugs into
the United States. Recently, there were two incursions by Mexican
military helicopters across the Texas-Mexico border into the United
States, and their intentions are still unknown.
So it's important, Madam Speaker, that we do what is necessary to
protect the dignity of our Nation. The first duty of government is the
national security to protect the people.
The Texas Governor and other Governors asked for the National Guard
to go to the border to help secure and protect the dignity of our
Nation. I think we should send the National Guard to the border. We
need to do what is necessary because it is the duty of government to
protect the people. And that protection starts at the border. And it's
time we wake up to the reality of the way the world is, that the drug
cartels are serious about being violent and about being criminals.
And that's just the way it is.

____________________

HONORING THE LEADERS OF POLAND KILLED IN THE PLANE CRASH OF APRIL 10,
2010

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, this past Saturday, one of America's
longest and strongest allies, the Republic of Poland, suffered a
horrendous loss. A plane carrying 97 passengers crashed in Russia,
including Polish President Lech Kaczynski; First Lady Maria Kaczynski;
Ryszard Kaczorowski, who led a government in exile during the

[[Page 5338]]

Communist era; Jerzy Szmajdzinski, the Deputy Speaker of Poland's
Parliament; Aleksander Szczyglo, the head of the National Security
Bureau; Adrrzej Kremer, the Deputy Minister of foreign affairs;
Franciszek Gagor, the Army Chief of Staff; along with the president of
Poland's National Bank, and a host of other public servants, including
Anna Walentynowicz, the brave worker and opposition activist whose
dismissal at the Gdansk shipyard in 1980 started the strike that led to
the formation of solidarity.
All modern leaders of the Polish nation, they were mothers and
fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, proud Poles all, now
lost to this life but not to history.
But yet again, the Katyn forest embraces the collective tragedy of
Poland's precious leaders. In the most morbid of ironies, the doomed
plane was flying to Russia to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the
Katyn massacre, when more than 22,000 Polish officers and leaders were
murdered at the hands of Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Army in and
around that forest during World War II. Their bodies were buried and
the truth hidden for seven decades. That is the truth of their
slaughter. That history still must be made whole.
As the former President of Poland, Lech Walesa, stated, the crash
marked ``the second disaster after Katyn. They wanted to cut off our
head there, and here the flower of our nation has already perished,''
he said,
``Buttons,'' a poem by Polish poet Zbigniew Herbert, written in
memoriam of the Katyn massacre, contains one stanza which captures this
modern-day tragedy as it does this Polish tragedy of 70 years ago for
which it was originally penned.
``When only the metal buttons of the soldiers remain as they work
their way to the Earth's surface from below, after decades where
history has been masked. Now again a bird flew over, a cloud is
passing, a leaf is dropping, a mallow grows, heavens above are filled
with silence; the Katyn forest smokes with fog.''
However, as the smoke and fog clears the Katyn forest this time,
Poland will stand and prevail as a stable democracy. After this
tragedy, Poland again will be led by valiant Poles and will not be
occupied by foreign nations.
After an unimaginable loss of leadership such as this, a lesser
country would crumble, but not Poland. As the Polish expression reminds
us, ``So long as we are alive, there will be a Poland.''
The nation of Poland is free and strong today. Against a backdrop of
oppression, partition and heartbreak, it has emerged as one of the most
freedom-loving, vibrant countries in Europe.
The United States stands in solidarity and support of her ally during
this time of sorrow and mourning. The House of Representatives will
honor the souls who were lost last week and remember those who were
killed 70 years ago with a Special Order tomorrow.
We extend our condolences to the friends and families of those who
perished, to the people of Poland, to the nation of Poland, and to the
people of Polish heritage throughout the world.
This is a terrible catastrophe that brings to mind the many tragedies
that have befallen Poland in the past. Yet, as we mourn, we must
remember and honor what the Polish people have endured and overcome.
They will do so again. We hold them in highest respect. And even
through our tears, we can see clearly that Poland's best days are still
ahead.

____________________

HONORING TARA SCHIPHOF, JUNIOR MISS NORTH CAROLINA

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the hard work and
dedication of a young woman I recently met back home in North Carolina.
Tara Schiphof was crowned the 2009/2010 Junior Miss North Carolina last
summer at the age of 11.
When I met Tara over the Easter break, I was impressed by her poise,
intelligence, and talent. Tara's a sixth-grader at Chestnut Grove
Middle School in Stokes County and a student at the University of the
North Carolina School of the Arts in the preparatory dance program.
What impressed me most about Tara was that in the midst of her busy
life of dancing festivals, volunteering and giving back to her
community, she remains dedicated to her studies and being a strong
positive role model to her classmates.
So not only is Tara an award-winning competitive dancer; this sixth-
grade girl is a real North Carolina role model.

{time} 2015

She's very committed to her studies and is an honor student at
Chestnut Grove. She's also raised money and volunteered for many
organizations, including the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford, North
Carolina, the Stokes County Arts Council, and the American Heart
Association.
I'm proud to represent a fine citizen like Tara. Tara's family and
friends should be proud of her hard work and accomplishments. I salute
her today for working so hard at making her life about serving others
and working in her community.

____________________

TAX CUTS

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 6, 2009, the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi) is
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, thank you so very much for the
opportunity to address the House on a rather important matter.
I got a call from my accountant, and he said, Are you going to get
your tax information in so we can actually get you filed by the 15th? I
said, I will do my best.
So we're in the process of doing that. So I suspect most Americans
are also thinking seriously about taxes. And what I want to talk about
tonight and share with my colleagues from Wisconsin, Ohio, and New York
is the tax issues that have come about over these last 15 months.
I left California this morning to fly here to Washington, D.C., and
this session, and as I picked up the Sacramento Bee, on the front page
was a headline that said, Tax refunds the largest ever, 2,600 and some
dollars per family in California. I said, Whoa, how did that happen? I
thought taxes had gone up. I looked into it and asked my staff to dig
out some information, and, in fact, taxes have actually gone down in a
very, very serious way here as a result of the stimulus bill that was
passed.
Now, one of my, I guess, sad situations is I wasn't here to vote for
the stimulus bill. I was just elected in November of 2009, so I didn't
have the opportunity to really vote for what turns out to be one of the
largest middle class tax cuts in American history. So when I arrived
here in Washington, I asked some of my friends and colleagues help me
understand and explain how it came to be that these incredible and
important tax cuts actually happened.
The first thing they said was, Yes, the stimulus bill did it. We
voted for these tax cuts, I think over $300 billion, and not one
Republican voted for the tax cuts. I'm going, That is not true. All
they talk about is tax cuts. You mean they didn't vote for the tax
cuts?
No. Not one Republican voted for the tax cuts.
I asked my colleague, Dr. Kagen from Wisconsin, to share his insights
and his perspective on what took place with the stimulus bill, which
was 14 months ago.
Dr. Kagen.
Mr. KAGEN. Thank you for yielding and thank you for bringing up this
subject about tax cuts. But really the American people have to pay
attention, because they have to ask the question, Whose side are you
on? Whose side are we on, and how did we get into this mess?
We fell into an economic ditch. We were driven into it by a number of
different factors, but, first and foremost, it was a failed economic
policy. It was

[[Page 5339]]

a policy wherein we had two wars at the same time and haven't paid a
single dime for them. We have had two tax cuts to the very rich;
haven't paid a penny for those either. We also had, in the last
administration, a $400 billion handout to big drug companies, not
paying for a penny of that either. All deficit spending, not paying our
way.
And then we fell into this terrible situation of the mortgage fiasco
where people were buying things that didn't really exist. Fell into
another $10 trillion hole. And at the tail end of the last
administration, their friends asked them, in the administration, to
open up the door to the Treasury, and the Wall Street banks looted our
Treasury for nearly a trillion dollars. Again, we haven't paid a dime
for that.
And then came a great recession. Not just here in the United States,
but this great recession took us all the way around the globe. It
wasn't just the United States that began to see the tremendous loss of
jobs. Last year, January, over 700,000 people lost their job. This
year, much less.
So we're beginning to move up, but we are moving up, first and
foremost, by living within our means. We didn't have, during the Bush
administration, the laws we did have on the books during President
Clinton. We handed over to the Republican Party a surplus, a budget
surplus that would amount to over $5 trillion. And what did they do?
They spent us into a ditch. We have reinstated pay-as-you-go rules so
we can't bring a bill to the House floor and consider it for anything
unless we show how we're going to pay for it by either raising revenue
or reducing other programs.
So along came the Recovery Act, the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009, and in February, we passed it through the
House, the Senate, and the President signed it. And this $787 billion
investment in America was aimed at providing middle class families--the
hardworking people who have really created prosperity in the past--the
biggest tax cut in American history. And I thought tonight we should
have a conversation about eight of these tax cuts that are available
right here and right now giving the American people an opportunity to
see that we are on their side.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Let's do that. We will go through those eight specific
tax cuts that really helped American families, middle class families.
And I would like to have our colleague from New York, Mr. Paul Tonko,
take up and tell us the New York piece of it. And then in a few
minutes, our colleague from Ohio, Betty Sutton, will join us.
So, Mr. Tonko.
Mr. TONKO. I think the important thing here with the tax situation is
that, you know, Representative Kagen is exactly right. What we were
targeting, what we were focusing, is the bulk of American workers out
there, middle-income Americans who were requiring some kind of relief.
And as we made it our task in a laser-sharp, focused way to stop the
bleeding of this recession, we wanted to make certain that there was
some more purchase power for America's working families.
And one of the very first measures was the Making Work Pay tax
credit, which we will speak to, at least a $400 benefit for an
individual or, for those filing jointly as a couple, $800. Now, this an
incremental benefit that began in 2009 and continues through 2010. And
I think it's important for us so as to get that buying power out there
to encourage people to perhaps pick up some of the purchasing that they
wanted to do that they were not able to do.
It's important for us to make certain that if you've done your taxes,
if you missed this opportunity in 2009, make certain you're asking
those who may prepare these taxes for you to check out these benefits.
You should file under Schedule M of the 1090 form to make certain that
this particular credit is taken advantage of. It is putting a great
benefit out there for some 110 million working families.
And I believe that the working Americans who are going to be
benefiting from this, the dollars that are saved, the benefit that is
provided here, was nearly a hundred billion dollars into the pockets of
our Americans that are of that category. So I think this is an
important benefit that comes at a time when we needed to strengthen
that purchase power.
And I think that you're absolutely right that we need to share this
message with Americans out there, especially as they come to the close
of their tax prep work. Be mindful also that you can further amend if
you miss some of these benefits, because they were geared specifically
for those categories of individuals we address here this evening.
Mr. GARAMENDI. There's a heads-up for all of the taxpayers, all the
working men and women out there that may not have taken advantage of
this $400 per person or $800 per family, to make sure that in their tax
return they actually reach out and get that benefit. So that's a
significant reduction in their taxes.
Mr. TONKO. Absolutely. And Representative Garamendi, I would commend
you for bringing us together tonight so as to alert people to these
benefits. They are part of the Recovery Act. The Recovery Act has been,
you know, driving a very strong outcome for so many American families
out there, and we just want them to know of the benefits associated
with the act.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Thank you, Mr. Tonko.
I know the normal greeting on the floor is ``the gentlewoman from
Ohio,'' but I've watched this Representative work on the floor and on
the committees, and while she's extraordinarily polite, I'm not sure
that--well, let's just say tenacious and determined.
Thank you for joining us, Representative Sutton from Ohio.
Ms. SUTTON. Thank you very much, Mr. Garamendi, and thank you for
leading us here on the floor tonight to talk about such important
things, you know, what we're doing to help the American people in this
time of challenge as we pull together and pull forward.
And I guess I appreciate that introduction. I think that the point is
I, like you, my colleagues who are here on the floor tonight, am
willing to do what it takes to make things work for the people I'm
honored to represent in the 13th Congressional District of Ohio.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Would that be the Cleveland area?
Ms. SUTTON. Well, it's outside of Cleveland. I represent Lorain
County, Summit County, Medina County and part of Cuyahoga County as
well. So it is the salt of the Earth.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Now, there's a piece of information I'm going to carry
with me the rest of my life, four counties.
Ms. SUTTON. That's right. And you should visit. We'd love to have
you. Come out and see all of the great things and all of the potential
that those who I am so privileged to serve have and what our area has
to offer.
But thank you for bringing us to the floor tonight to talk a little
bit about some of the tax benefits that exist in the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act and just in general to talk about the American
Recovery Act, because we all know that it was critically important at
the time it was passed back in the early part of last year, that all
the economists from across the board were saying that we have to keep
our economy from going off of the edge, and we stepped up to the plate
and we acted. And it's really important that people understand what it
is that this bill actually did.
You know, it was all about fostering our Nation's economic recovery,
creating and saving jobs, providing services to people affected by the
recession. And, of course, as you point out, part of that was about
these tax credits and these tax benefits. And we all know that this was
a huge middle class tax cut, families getting up to $800.
Certainly in Ohio, I would just share with you in the 13th
Congressional District, many of our families were beneficiaries of
these tax cuts. So the mission to improve the lives of the families in
northeast Ohio who I serve during these challenging times continues.
But it is worth noting that the Council of Economic Advisers has
reported that the Recovery Act created or saved as many as 2.4 million
jobs nationally and up to 79,000 in Ohio. And for me,

[[Page 5340]]

probably like all of you here tonight, jobs, jobs, jobs is what I am
most interested in delivering to the American people and facilitating
opportunity for them to go to work and be able to raise a family and
have the kind of life that makes this country so very great.
So I know we're just getting started in our discussion. I look
forward to talking more about the tax benefits and the other great
things that were in this bill and all of the other pieces along the way
that we are putting into place for the near term and to generate that
sustainable growth that we need in both our economy and in the job
market out there, because far too many people are, unfortunately, still
hurting.
Mr. GARAMENDI. I want to come back to you in a few moments and pick
up something that really did stimulate the American economy, not
directly on tax policy but something that was very, very important. And
we'll just let people be curious about what it was that created the
highest monthly volume of automobile sales in the most recent years.
Mr. Kagen, we were talking earlier about some of these eight
principal things, and I know you wanted to pick up another one. We
started to talk about the Making Work Pay, $400 per person and $800 per
couple.
Why don't you talk about another one and carry it for a while.
Mr. KAGEN. Aside from Making Work Pay, which really focuses on middle
class families, let me step back a little bit and remind everybody that
back in Wisconsin we don't call it the Recovery Act. We call it the
stimulus bill. That is just the slang of where we are in northeast
Wisconsin. But we look at the stimulus bill, it didn't meet everybody's
expectations in terms of all of the jobs we were hoping to see because
we were in such a deep economic hole, but we focused on those people
who needed help the most, in particular, the unemployed.

{time} 2030

Now, today, in northeast Wisconsin, there are about 35,000 people who
are underemployed and unemployed. They are looking for work. We are
hard-working people. Give us a level playing field. We can compete and
outwork anybody anywhere in the world.
For unemployed workers, immediately the Recovery Act gave $25 a week
in additional spending power to help them get through the week. We also
covered 65 percent of COBRA, which is when you fall out of work, you
now need some insurance, but you get COBRA insurance. And the Federal
Government stepped up to cover 65 percent of that cost of guaranteeing
you have got insurance.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Everybody that I talk to about COBRA says, well, wait
a minute, nobody can afford COBRA. They are unemployed. How could they
possibly afford COBRA? And you are telling us that in the stimulus
bill, in the Recovery Act, that 55 percent of the cost of COBRA--you
lose your job, you want to continue your health insurance, that is
covered?
Mr. KAGEN. Sixty-five percent is covered by the Federal Government.
We went beyond that, because we made sure that there was money there
for stabilization of State governments. So we helped the States to
stabilize their State governments, help unemployed and made sure that
people had their own money that they have earned in their own pockets.
You know, the old idea is, you have earned the money. It ought to be
yours. Keep it in your pocket. You are going to be a better investor of
that revenue than the Federal Government. Well, we have done that.
We also did it for students in the American Opportunity Credit Act,
where we gave up to $2,500 back to the parent or parents or to the
student for their educational expenses.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Now, that's a very important one. All of the
economists that look to the future of this Nation and our ability to
compete say that we have to have a well-educated workforce. And so in
the stimulus bill there is a $2,500 tax credit for the family or for
the student.
Mr. KAGEN. That wasn't in the stimulus bill. That was in the American
Opportunity Act. In the stimulus bill for students, we had tax credits
of up to $2,500 for 25,000 students in my district. So 25,000 students
benefited from having that tax credit immediately available.
We also increased the Pell Grant amounts up to $5,350 in the stimulus
bill. Stafford loans were increased to $2,000. So we made it possible
for students who want to move up to have that higher education become
more affordable. The best time to be in college or technical school is
during an economic slowdown or a recession, because then, when the jobs
are available, you will have moved up and can step out into a higher
payment level.
Mr. GARAMENDI. This is a very, very important piece of getting ready
for the recovery and preparing our students and our workers for the
opportunities out ahead.
Mr. Tonko, you wanted to pick up another piece of this, so have at
it.
Mr. TONKO. Yes. Well, one of my favorite topics is energy. No matter
where we live, whether it's California, Ohio, Wisconsin, those
representatives hear what I hear, that we need to understand that we
can control our destiny when it comes to energy as consumers. We are
the most gluttonous in the world. And whether that resource is
developed here in a domestic fashion, which I believe ought to be our
thrust, or whether it's done through imports that are just not, I
think, the choice for Americans as we move forward. But, regardless,
whatever that base of supply is, we need to strive for energy
efficiency and conservation.
And what I like about a number of the tax situations that we are
doing in the Recovery Act or in general policy format is that we are
looking at the big picture. We are putting it into a context that
promotes sound policy.
So as we expand or continue tax credits for renewables, we make
certain that we are providing that production tax credit that really
ignites the efforts to build our supply here domestically. I think that
is so critically important to not only our energy independence and our
energy security but our national security.
Just recently I hosted, during our recess for Passover and Easter,
the only stop in the State of New York made by the bus tour with
Veterans for American Power. And three veterans just recently doing a
tour in Iraq and Afghanistan spoke at that event. They call it
Operation FREE, and they talk about the wisdom of transitioning our
energy needs to domestic produced, American power. They call this
Veterans for American Power. They talked about the ravaging on our
troops done by dollars sent to the treasuries of those unfriendly
nations that are supplying our fossil-based needs.
So this production tax credit will take us along the message that the
veterans are sharing. Veterans who have served us in uniform, in Iraq
and Afghanistan, have said we are not doing the right energy policy.
This will encourage it with these production tax credits.
Then we provide households--American residents will be benefited by
these tax credits that will enable them to get as much as 30 percent of
a tax credit up to $1,500 based on the work that they have done on
their homes with energy efficient furnaces, with the replacement of
windows or doors, with insulation. This will be a smart move that will
enable them through the years to reduce the cost of operating that
home.
I think this is wise policy and a great tax benefit for our American
taxpayers.
Mr. GARAMENDI. So for somebody that goes into their home and puts in
energy efficient windows or a solar system or solar hot water, they can
get 30 percent tax credit on that.
It is very interesting that, again, during the recess, the number of
new businesses that come about as a direct result of that tax credit,
advertising all over the radio about this company or that company going
to be putting in new windows or a solar system, so businesses are
actually coming about because of the tax credit that's available to
homeowners.
Mr. TONKO. I would also mention, if I might, the jobs associated with
the

[[Page 5341]]

production tax credit, be it wind or solar or geothermal, waste energy
projects. All of these efforts are critically important to providing
that capacity that we need as a Nation and providing for that capacity
with American jobs. As we transition to these renewables, I think that
this is a great way to grow jobs and to strengthen our energy security
in the process.
Mr. GARAMENDI. So here is a tax credit, part of the stimulus bill,
that actually provides up to 30 percent credit on the cost of one of
these new energy systems, windows or solar.
Mr. TONKO. Furnaces.
Mr. GARAMENDI. And, at the same time, it creates new businesses.
That's a win/win in a green economy if there ever was one.
I am looking over here at our representative from those four
marvelous counties outside of Cleveland, and I was thinking about the
automobile industry and the energy that is, I think, some 80 percent of
our oil is actually consumed in automobiles. You have had a great deal
to do with the automobile industry, Representative Sutton. Could you
share with us some of your experience and some of what was in this tax
bill?
Ms. SUTTON. Absolutely, I will be honored to do so; and I appreciate,
Representative Tonko, your bringing up the tax credit. I want to point
back, before I get to what we have teased about a little bit here----
Mr. GARAMENDI. Go anywhere you would like.
Ms. SUTTON. We are not going there quite yet, but what I want to talk
about first is that, in the recovery stimulus bill, one of the things
that was put to use where I live in Elyria, Ohio, was a Department of
Energy investment to create a BASF catalyst plant. So we are now
creating the largest lithium ion facility in North America right in
that district outside of Cleveland, Ohio, in Elyria, Ohio, positioning
Ohio to be a leader as we move to the next generation of vehicles
powered by lithium ion batteries, because that's the biggest market for
the future.
So we get the jobs to build the factory, then we get the jobs to work
in the factory, and then we get all the jobs down the road that are
sustainable as we develop this. And we, in the meantime, of course, are
producing cars. They were going to produce these batteries that are
going to be good for consumers because they are going to be more cost-
effective and efficient for them.
It's going to improve, obviously, our environment, but it puts us
ahead. This is what America is about. It's about innovation. It's about
moving forward with new products and ways but powered by American
workers.
So I definitely come from a part of the country where the domestic
auto industry is a very important piece of our puzzle. We have a lot of
families that depend upon the domestic auto and related industries for
their livelihood, and, okay, we will finally get to it. One of the
things that I was so proud of and that was actually in some ways funded
in part, at least, by the recovery stimulus bill was the CARS Act, more
commonly referred to as the Cash for Clunkers Program.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Whoa, the Cash for Clunkers, I thought you might want
to talk about that. You were the author of that piece of legislation.
Ms. SUTTON. I was indeed. And, as I indicated, it was called the CARS
program, but it was really about people. It was about our friends and
our neighbors that number in the tens of thousands in every State, not
just Ohio or Michigan but across the country, those people who rely
upon the auto and related industries for their livelihood, to put food
on the table, to reach the middle class and stay in the middle class.
With the CARS Act, the Cash for Clunkers Program, the goal was
multiple, the goals were multiple. What we did was, obviously, the
results are in. We have seen study after study. What we did is we put
about 60,000 or so people back to work because of the CARS Act, because
of Cash for Clunkers in the auto and related industries. We moved the
GDP as a result of the program from a range of $3.8 billion to $6.8
billion, an increase in GDP just due to that one very limited program
of less than a month, less than a month.
What we also did, we just got another study back with the program
that provided incentives to consumers to, of course, trade in their old
gas-guzzling cars, to get more fuel-efficient cars, gave them
incentives to do that, helping them in this time of need to get
something they needed but couldn't afford, get those jobs shored up,
get the improvements in the environment.
We saw an environmental gain in the cars turned in from the ones that
were turned in to purchase of 60 percent. So those consumers are going
to continue to save for years to come, somewhere in the neighborhood of
a thousand dollars a year. Seven hundred to a thousand dollars a year
is the estimate. So this was a program that was win/win/win.
And we saw a recent study, if that wasn't good enough.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Well, I am going to interrupt you for a moment.
Because I wasn't yet in Congress when this piece of legislation went
into law. So I immediately started looking around and seeing about the
clunkers that I have on my ranch. And I have this old beat-up Bronco,
and I thought, oh, oh, there is my clunker. I am going to trade that
thing in for a new efficient model.
And it turned out because it wasn't running, I had it on the not-for-
the-highway license, in other words, it was just on storage, and your
bill was written in such a way that I couldn't take advantage of this.
So I have got a little problem with the way in which you wrote that
bill, but for the rest of America it was a great idea.
Mr. KAGEN. Well, from the people of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin auto
dealers want to thank Representative Sutton and the House of
Representatives dominated by the Democrats at the current time, because
you emptied half of the inventory of all of our sales lots. Not only
did we empty the inventory, because of that we started several steel
plants up and going. So we generated jobs.
The whole idea of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the
stimulus act, was to do what? It was to stabilize State governments,
provide the biggest tax cut in American history, and save or create
millions of jobs. By that measure, it was a success. Yes, we would like
it to have done more. We think we need to do more now. That's what we
are working on.
But let me bring your attention back away from the cars to the
homebuyers. The First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credit, which expires in a
few days, if you are thinking about getting a home, you can get an
$8,000 tax credit back. We have just lowered the cost of getting into
your first home. If you have been in a home for a while, I think it's 5
years, you get $6,500 back by getting into another home.
You don't have a lot of time left. Get the paperwork going. Visit
your real estate office in Wisconsin. Look, come to live in northeast
Wisconsin. You don't have to go to California. We have got a lower
overhead there, lower cost of living.
Mr. GARAMENDI. We want those homes bought in California.
Mr. KAGEN. Well, the whole idea is this is not just a stand-alone.
This is a whole cadre, a whole way in which we are trying to lower your
cost of doing business to keep you in your home. Whether it's the
making work pay, whether it's American Opportunity Tax Credit or the
First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, the Democrats are on your side helping
you to stay in your home, helping you to get employed at that higher-
wage job, to make sure we can work our way through this recession back
into prosperity.

{time} 2045

The First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit is soon to expire, so I would
urge everyone listening, talk to your family, maybe this is the time
you want to move into your first home.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Once again, most of these tax reductions came about
through the stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,
which was February of 2009. And I will

[[Page 5342]]

point out, as I did at the opening, that not one Republican voted for
these extraordinarily important tax reductions that are great for
individuals, for families, for working men and women, for middle class
America, and at the same time, are creating new jobs in the green
economy and the automobile industry, and even for those folks that are
selling cars in Wisconsin.
Mr. Tonko, you had something you wanted to add here?
Mr. TONKO. Yes. I was just going to indicate that when we look at the
impact of the Recovery Act, the stimulus package on our State
economies, Dr. Kagen, Representative Kagen, is very correct that the
whole effort here was to provide that job growth, it was to provide
stability, it was to really boost the buying power of the American
public. That largest tax cut in American history for working families
is something that has obviously worked.
When we look at the record now in New York State, 98 percent of
working families in New York were benefited in 2009. They were getting,
on average, a benefit of $1,340--nearly $1,340. That's a tremendous
boost to the economy of our State. And there are public efforts that
were made for education and relief to government so that we would not
see additional cuts; we could retain jobs along with create jobs.
We are also benefited by the fact that just about all income levels
receive some sort of tax relief. There are those from the
administration of Ronald Reagan, very conservative thinkers, who are
saying this is a very good outcome that we're looking at now with the
Obama administration. This was a great bit of leadership that saved us
from this ever-deep, ever-long recession.
It was pointed out by my colleague, Representative Sutton, that this
stimulus package enabled the growth of jobs that came via factory
manufacturing. Well, in my district in Schenectady, which is the
birthplace of electricity with GE's headquarters, we are now
transitioning into something different than a lithium ion battery. And
the diversity that we're encouraging here is important. They're looking
at a sodium-based battery that will enable us not only to utilize that
innovation for the generation of energy and for heavy vehicle fleets,
heavy-weighted vehicle fleets, but also for the storage of intermittent
power. Now, there is the lynchpin; the battery is that lynchpin that
takes us to a new realm, a new plateau in job creation with an
innovation economy.
And, again, what I like about the focus here is that we look at the
big picture. We don't thrust throw a tax cut for the sake of a tax cut,
but we incorporate the thinking of how it ripples into the economy with
the policy impact that it makes. And if we can invest in a way that
finds us growing jobs with technology with the innovation economy, we
are then creating that smart outcome that will allow our industries
here that are American based and our businesses to compete effectively
and to win those contracts in a global marketplace. It doesn't have to
be cheaper; it needs to be smarter.
And while I have the mic here, I just have to mention to
Representative Sutton that repeatedly, as Representative Kagen
indicated, I will have people ask me if I was part of that effort
promoted by Representative Sutton. And I said, look, she's not only a
colleague, she's a friend. And I appreciate the fact that as we
strengthen the American auto industry we are able to, again, see all
the subcontracting that is part of that. It has a way of spreading the
concentric circles out; it is the pebble-and-the-pond outcome. And we
have all been made stronger because of that investment through the auto
industry that came through Cash for Clunkers that again triggered a lot
of reaction.
Mr. GARAMENDI. I'd call it a boulder that she threw into the pond,
and the ripples that came from that actually touched a family that my
wife works with. She was at the California State fair, and this lady
works with her at the State fair. The lady's husband is a salesman. In
the fall, or in August, he was about to lose his job, but then the Cash
for Clunkers came along, and sales shot up at his shop. And he was able
to sustain his employment and continues to this day to continue to be
employed. It got him past that hurdle.
Representative Kagen, surely there are things going on in Wisconsin
that you're going to share with us here in the next few moments about
these tax cuts and the way in which they work.
Mr. KAGEN. I would put it into two categories. When we talk about
restoring our economy--or to use a medical phrase, ``resuscitating our
economy''--it will be small business owners that drive the job
creation. Small businesses are 93 percent of all employers in the
country. When we do create jobs, eight out of 10 new jobs are coming
from small business owners. And we produce, in small business, 52
percent of our Nation's gross domestic product.
So take a look just for a moment at what the Recovery Act, the
stimulus bill, did for small business. First, we had the Small Business
Administration, section 7A and 504 loans, where the guarantee by the
Federal Government moved up from 75 to 90 percent. That 90 percent
guarantee made it possible for many small businesses to get access to
credit that they needed to continue to survive.
Another small business advantage was a 3-year extension to the
production tax credit, the PTC. Thirty percent investment tax credit,
or ITC, for renewable energy, helping our wind, our non-fossil fuel
base, non-Saudi Arabian outside-of-our-country energy. Renewable energy
bonds, which are now becoming available, extension of depreciation
loans, 50 percent of the purchase price expensed right away; 5-year
carryback net operating loss. For a small business operator, this is a
tremendous boom. You can survive this economy recession by this----
Mr. GARAMENDI. That is actually a tax reduction in the early years in
allowing those expenses to be spread out.
Mr. KAGEN. And you can allow up to $250,000 of depreciation on
something you've invested in right away.
So we understand the importance of small business. Now, I'm co-
chairperson of the Congressional Business Owners Caucus. We came up
with some wonderful ways in which the President could begin to lower
the cost of labor. Lowered cost of labor means we can compete on a
better playing field with our foreign competition. We had come up with
a very simple way to do it on form 940 by reducing the amount of taxes
you will pay. We give you a tax credit back if you simply increase the
amount of money that you're paying to your employees, whether you hire
more people, rehire people that have been laid off, or simply pay your
existing workforce more money. That was converted into the Hiring Act.
So the Hiring Act now and the HIRE Act really has a tax credit
available for small business. So we're helping small business and we've
got to do more.
What we've done so far has got us to this point, but we've got to do
more. And we are working with the SBA Director, Karen Mills, to do just
that. That's on the business end of it. But right now, in northeast
Wisconsin, business owners are telling me, Kagen, we don't want more
credit necessarily; we need more customers coming in the door, we need
more contracts. Then we can really go to the bank and say we've got
somebody here that wants us to produce something for them. That's why
we focused not only on small business, but on tax cuts for working
families.
The next one I would mention is the residential energy tax credit, up
to $1,500 for weatherization improvements on your home that you did in
2009. You still have a few days to claim that credit on your tax return
for 2009. Take advantage of that opportunity. Take a look with your tax
preparer or your accountant if you have one. Talk to somebody who is in
your family that is preparing your taxes. Take a look at what you've
done for your home, because you can get up to $1,500 back in your
pocket straightaway.
The other one I'd like you to take advantage of is the sales tax
deduction for vehicle purchases.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Maybe we will pass that to Representative Sutton.

[[Page 5343]]

Ms. SUTTON. Sure. Absolutely. Part of the recovery stimulus act also
provided that taxpayers can deduct the State and local sales tax they
paid for new vehicles purchased from February 17 of 2009 all the way
through December 31 of 2009 under the vehicle sales tax deduction. And
then in those States that don't have a sales tax, there are other taxes
and fees that may be deducted. So you have to ask your tax preparer or
look into that if you're in a State that doesn't have sales tax.
So not only did we offer the incentives that were very effective in
shoring up jobs, improving our environment, getting older, unsafe cars
off the road; we also provided the opportunity to deduct that sales
tax.
And I just can't let this go, Representative Garamendi, because a
moment ago when you were talking about going to the dealership and
trying to trade in your car and it wouldn't qualify----
Mr. GARAMENDI. Well, it just wasn't running, that was the problem. It
was a real clunker.
Ms. SUTTON. But what we did find out--and this is really welcome news
and it's pretty recent, and I'm not sure that all of you have had a
chance to look at it--but according to the Maritz Automotive Research
Group, they concluded that Cash for Clunkers created significantly more
incremental car sales than previously estimated--and this is the
important part--without negatively impacting future automotive sales.
About 90 percent of the cars purchased under the program, about 542,000
consumers bought vehicles specifically because of the program. And,
further, they reported that people like you, perhaps, another 223,000
people came to dealerships after hearing about the program to see if
they qualified. They discovered they didn't qualify, and they bought
cars anyway, sending those ripple effects out there to the benefit of
us all.
Mr. GARAMENDI. You said 213,000?
Ms. SUTTON. 223,000.
Mr. GARAMENDI. And one. That one was my wife and I.
Ms. SUTTON. Well, thank you for supporting the economy.
Mr. GARAMENDI. We couldn't get rid of that old, broken-down Bronco,
but we were in the market for a new car and we did buy one.
We've gone through several parts of the tax policy and the stimulus
program. And a lot of folks out there think the stimulus program didn't
do any good. Well, we know that in terms of the macroeconomics of the
Nation, that it actually did. Together with the bank bailout--which
I've got a lot of problems about the way that was done, and that was in
the previous administration, in the years of the Bush administration--
but together it stopped the collapse. Other nations did their piece of
it too, but it stopped the collapse. And just this last month in March
we actually saw job growth in America; we actually saw jobs growing,
net increase in the number of employed people. Whether that's going to
continue month to month in the future, we hope so, but the stimulus
program actually has worked. It has reduced the tax burden for American
families, for the middle class, the largest middle class tax cut in
anybody's memory, and at the same time has created a lot of new jobs.
Mr. Tonko, you talked about the holistic approach, that this wasn't
just about tax cuts for this and tax cuts for that, but there was a
larger program that was envisioned here.
Mr. TONKO. Well, I think in New York, obviously, the benefit that
comes via the child tax credit or the earned income tax credit is
something that needs to be paid strict attention to. We are helping, we
are empowering some of the--well, in this case, the poorest three-
fifths of taxpayers out. The tax credit for children is stretched to at
least $1,000--up to $1,000. The earned income tax credit----
Mr. GARAMENDI. That's $1,000 per child. That is the child tax credit.
Mr. TONKO. Exactly. And then with the earned income tax credit we
stretch the eligibility, and we further reduce the marriage penalty.
And so there is an awful lot here that speaks to many, many people who
have benefited. That's why it is historic in nature. It's the largest
such tax cut for working families in America. And this is a major plus.
This is an empowerment to these families that when given this
opportunity were able to make these purchases out there from American
businesses that then called in more people, were beginning to see the
job count rise.
We have to remember the last 4 or 5 months of the previous
administration was recording somewhere between a 700,000 and 800,000
job loss per month, per month. Now we saw in January, was it 22,000,
climbed a little with the tough weather and climate and impacts out
there across the country to some 36,000 in February, and now in March
we see this 126,000-plus job count. We are seeing the swing go upward.
Representative Kagen and I talked earlier this evening about that
graph, that linear graph that was just plummeting downward for several
months and hit its lowest point in December of 2008 and then began to
swing up so that we dropped, was it 17? The American families' wealth
dropped by some $16 trillion. Now it's swinging up beyond $5 trillion,
$6 trillion as we climb upward. Is it going to happen overnight? Not
necessarily. It most likely won't. But this was coming for a long time.
It was failed economic policies that were driving down this country's
economy that impacted the world economy. And the question here is, do
we want to go back to those failed policies or do we advance the agenda
of progressive policies that will now make us join together in that
climb upward where we're seeing the wealth of American families
beginning to crawl back, climb back? We're on a good course, and we
need to stay the course. And the four of us here this evening are on
that message of looking at what's happening here, tax credits that will
benefit, investment in job creation, and a turning around of the
economy.
And Representative Garamendi, for bringing us together I say thank
you again because this message needs to be heard.

{time} 2100

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Kagen, I think you want to have some final words
here, and then the remaining two of us, and then we will wrap this up.
Mr. KAGEN. Well, when it comes to asking the question who is on your
side, the answer is clearly we are on your side. We are delivering tax
cuts to the middle class like never before. We are making certain that
you will be in your house if you get sick, not the poorhouse. We are
delivering earned income tax credits. In northeast Wisconsin, 61,500
people benefited from that.
With regard to the stimulus bill, in my home county of Outagamie
County, we delivered $50 million of tax cuts and millions more in
educational support. Without that life's breath, we wouldn't have an
economy to talk about any longer.
Mr. GARAMENDI. You were telling me earlier that you have some 50,000
college students in your district?
Mr. KAGEN. Exactly. We have got 53,000 college students who can take
advantage----
Mr. GARAMENDI. So this tax credit for families and students----
Mr. KAGEN. Is very significant. We really do believe in higher
education in northeast Wisconsin. All of Wisconsin is progressive-
minded socially and fiscally responsible, just like this House of
Representatives is today.
Mr. GARAMENDI. And we have seen the advantage of these tax credits in
the stimulus bill in the manufacturing heart of America, which is just
outside Cleveland, represented by Congresswoman Sutton.
Congresswoman?
Ms. SUTTON. Thank you, Representative Garamendi, and thank you for
getting us down here to the floor to talk about these important points.
The question really is do we want to continue that path towards
positive job growth. We started last year. Eight hundred thousand jobs
a month we were bleeding because of the failed economic policies of the
past administration, but now we are at a place where we are seeing that
positive growth. We

[[Page 5344]]

also saw a headline today in our local paper entitled ``Deficit Falls
Dramatically in March.''
So the bottom line is this. We have to act responsibly to take us
from those failed policies to a place of renewal and an economy that
doesn't just work for the privileged few who enjoyed those tax cuts,
the top 2 percent who enjoyed those deficit-funded tax cuts under the
Bush era. We have to take us to a place where it is an economy that the
folks that I am proud to represent in Lorain and Akron and Barberton
will indeed join in the vitality of this Nation, of our communities, of
our economy, of the opportunity, all that we have to represent in this
country.
So I am glad to be here. I am glad to do the work that it takes every
day to put one foot in front of the other and fight with the spirit of
the people that I represent to take us responsibly to a place that is
positive not just for us here in the Capitol, but most importantly, for
them at their homes.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Thank you very, very much.
For me, having arrived just 3 months ago in a special election and
not being able to vote on this extraordinary stimulus bill as the three
of you did, I really want to congratulate you and thank you for the
work that you have done here. And to be able to join in the continuing
process of growing the American economy, using very wise and targeted
tax cuts to help working men and women, working families and middle
class, focusing there, which is really the heart of America, and to see
what you have done and then the new follow-up legislation that we
worked on in December, January, and February and through the rest of
this year, it is a great privilege for me to be able to work with you
on that.
Then to find that these tax cuts are actually creating new
businesses. The green economy, it is actually happening. I hear the
advertisements on the radio in California and in the newspaper, new
businesses starting up to install the solar panels, to do the caulking,
to do the windows, to move us into energy independence. This is really
a great moment in which we are transitioning the American economy, and,
frankly, it is the Democrats that are doing that.
Most of the work, the heavy lifting this last year was done without
any Republican support. It was done by the Democrats. We don't want to
be too partisan here, but we also need to point out the real facts of
who it is that voted for $300 billion of tax cuts for middle-income
Americans. It was the Democrats. We need to understand who it is that's
moving forward with the green economy. It was the Democrats that did
that. And we have got more to do.
And we are going to come back on the floor in the days ahead and we
are going to talk about some of the specific tax cuts that went to
businesses to stimulate the small businesses--we covered mostly working
families today, but we need to do that--and then the jobs bills that
have been passed.
It is a great privilege to work with you, and I want to thank you for
the opportunity to share this evening. Thank you very much.
Madam Speaker, I yield back my time.

____________________

HEALTH CARE REFORM

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Pingree of Maine). Under the Speaker's
announced policy of January 6, 2009, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr.
Gingrey) is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority
leader.
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank my leadership for
allowing me to speak to my colleagues over the next hour in regard to
guess what? Health care reform, Madam Speaker. And I am going to be
joined by several colleagues on the Republican side of the aisle who
are physician Members, as I am, as you know, Madam Speaker, a physician
Member.
And we are all just returning to Washington after the 2-week Easter
recess, a time that I think Members on both sides of the aisle
hopefully enjoyed with their constituents. I know certainly that I did.
Also a little bit of family time celebrating Easter and the Passover.
And now we are, of course, back here in Washington inside the beltway,
and the wars, as we say, begin again.
But the time that I spent, these 2 weeks, in my district, the 11th of
Georgia, northwest Georgia, in my nine counties that I represented,
gave me, once again, an opportunity to meet with my constituents. We
did that in a one-on-one format, and we did it in a town hall meeting
format, several of those, and we did the tele-town hall meetings, I
think a couple of those.
But I can tell you, Madam Speaker, the people in my district, the
11th of Georgia and the State of Georgia, are not happy. They are not
happy with the Health Care Reform Act, the patient, whatever the
acronym is for this bill. The people didn't want it. They made that
very clear in every poll taken over the past year as we led up to the
unfortunate passage of this massive takeover of one-sixth of our
economy. Folks did not want that, and they still don't. And I think
they're expressing that to Members on both sides of the aisle as they
go home, and Members are going to be held accountable. I know, Madam
Speaker, that Members on both sides of the aisle understood that when
they either voted for or against this bill. And the American people are
no happier today than they were 3 weeks ago.
I would like, at this point, to yield to my colleague from Tennessee,
Dr. Phil Roe, a fellow physician and also a fellow OB/GYN specialist.
Dr. Roe, being from Tennessee and practicing a number of years and
delivering a lot of babies there in that State, knows all too well what
happened with TennCare and had said the whole time that he has been in
this 111th Congress--this is his first term--that you had the perfect
pilot program for this bill that the Democratic majority insisted on
passing against the will of the American people right in his home State
of Tennessee.
And I would like to yield to him now, Madam Speaker. And maybe he can
yield some light on what that experiment showed over an 8- or 10-year
period in the Volunteer State.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Dr. Gingrey, thank you, and it is good to be
back.
I, as you, enjoyed being with family, as I am sure most of our
Members on both sides of the aisle did. And I also got the opportunity
to view one of the greatest basketball games that has ever been, which
is the Final Four in Indianapolis, and my hat's off to the Duke Blue
Devils and to the Butler team that played such a great basketball game.

{time} 2110

One of the reasons I had for running for Congress, I was very happy
in a medical practice in Tennessee. I was mayor of our local community,
the largest one, Johnson City, Tennessee, the largest community in our
district. But I knew that this health care debate was going to occur,
and I wanted to be part of that debate.
Unfortunately, none of us on the Republican side were consulted, so
we were only in the debate in a peripheral way. And the reason that I
wanted to be a part of the debate was to share some experiences that we
had had in Tennessee over the past 17 years or so in our attempt to not
only manage health care costs but to cover more of our people.
Tennessee is not a wealthy State. We certainly have one of the lower
per capita incomes in the country, and we have a lot of uninsured
people. So there was a good reason to try to do something for this.
We have several major medical centers in our State both in Memphis
and Nashville, Knoxville, and the Tri-Cities area, where I live; and
the idea was that we were going to have a plan in Tennessee that was
going to have a competition, much like we heard in the public option,
which this plan does not have, where various insurance companies would
compete for your business, and when they would compete for your
business, this would help drive costs down.
Well, what we did was we actually provided a massive expansion of a
Medicaid plan. TennCare is our exemption

[[Page 5345]]

for Medicaid. What this current health care bill does is massively
expand Medicaid.
Now, remember, Medicare is a plan that has premiums which fund it. So
there are premium dollars that a recipient gets now who has paid in
just like you would for any other insurance plan, whereas Medicaid is
not. It's an entitlement. So we massively expanded our entitlements.
And how did we do that?
We had about eight plans that would compete for your business. In
1993, we had about a $2.6 billion program in our State. Ten budget
years later, that has exploded to an $8 billion program; and in our
State that was at that point taking up in 2004 about 35 percent of the
State budget. Now, since that time, everyone realized that we couldn't
continue on this pathway. Here we were in a plan that we would have
been happy with 17 percent of our budget. It was 35 percent of our
State budget.
So what did the governor and the legislature do?
And, by the way, our governor is Governor Phil Bredesen, who is a
Democrat. He has dealt with this. He has a business background and also
has been in the health care business himself.
What we did initially was cut the rolls. We cut about 200,000 people
from the rolls of TennCare. And when that didn't prove enough, this
particular year during this recession, we have had to resort to some
more drastic measures. It hasn't been completely worked out yet.
But we also found out, Dr. Gingrey, that during this time--and I am
going to, during this hour, predict what I believe will happen with
this plan that we've just passed. I have seen it happen in Tennessee,
and I believe it will happen again with this plan. What happened was 45
percent of the people who ended up on TennCare had private health care
insurance and dropped it and got on TennCare. Why did they do that? Why
did they go on the government entitlement?
Well, it was a perfectly logical reason why they did that. They did
it because it was cheaper and it offered first-dollar coverage. It
offered prescription drug coverage, unlimited doctor visits.
And what did we get for spending this much money? We got the highest
prescription drug use in America, number one in prescription drugs and
47th in health outcomes. So if we had spent the money and had gotten
better health outcomes and better usage of those dollars, I would have
supported it in a heartbeat.
The other thing that's not known and never discussed, you never hear
it discussed on this House floor, are the pay-fors. And as you as a
physician know this, and we're willing to do this especially in OBGYN
because pregnancy is one of those things that you either are or you're
not. So we accepted TennCare in our practice and always did because the
patients needed the care and had to go somewhere.
What happened was that at the point that it started, it paid the
providers, that is, the hospitals and the doctors, about 60 percent of
the cost of actually providing the care. So those other costs, that
other 40 percent was shifted to private insurers.
An example I will give you is, I don't know, 8 or 10, 12 years ago,
our local hospital put an implantable defibrillator in. You know that's
where if you have a heart irregularity and you have an arrest, this
will restart your heart. The TennCare plan paid, I think, $800 to the
hospital, and the device costs $40,000, just the piece itself, not the
care to put it in, the doctors and so forth. So those costs were
shifted.
What I predict will happen with this plan when you massively expand
the Medicaid entitlement and those costs are not paid, those costs are
going to be shifted to private insurers, and over time those costs will
be so expensive that the private insurers are going to say, look, we
can't pay that, we're going to have to drop it, drop private health
insurance. And you're going to hear the other side say, see, we told
you so. We need to take over the whole plan. That is exactly what is
going to happen. This particular plan right here is designed to fail,
and it will fail financially.
Now, will there be some good out of it? Sure, there will be. I mean,
you can't spend a trillion dollars and not do some good. The question
is, is this the right way to do it? And I believe that is the
discussion that we have had this year.
And as you well know, the bipartisan vote on this bill was ``no.''
There were 34 of our Democratic colleagues who elected to vote against
this bill and all of the Republicans voted against this bill. And it's
not that Republicans don't have ideas. I came here, you came here, Dr.
Broun, who has joined us, came with numerous ideas. The problem was we
never got to share those ideas with anyone.
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. I thank the gentleman from Tennessee, and I
think he brought up some extremely good points. And, Madam Speaker, I
agree completely with what he said in regard to this system, this
health care reform act, being designed to fail. I think it was.
I think that from the very beginning--Madam Speaker, I serve on the
Energy and Commerce Committee; and, as you know, that is the committee
that has so much jurisdiction over health care, all of Medicaid, which
the gentleman from Tennessee was just speaking of, and part B of
Medicare, the Children's Health Insurance Program. So it is one of
three committees in the House that has jurisdiction over health care
but probably the most important committee.
The committee, Madam Speaker, as you and all of my colleagues know,
has been chaired for many years in the past by the distinguished
gentleman from Michigan, the Honorable John Dingell, a great Member,
but a Member who for years and years, as his father also before him,
was pushing and has continued to push for a single-payer national
health insurance plan for this country, not unlike what exists in some
Western European countries and other countries around the world, but
certainly Canada and the U.K. are two very good examples of how
national health insurance works.
But I truly believe, Madam Speaker, and I am basing this not just on
my belief but on comments that were made in the Energy and Commerce
Committee, as this original bill that was called H.R. 3200 at the
time--and this was before the August recess of last summer, and when
that bill was marked up in committee and amendments were submitted,
there were so many amendments, Madam Speaker, from your side of the
aisle, the majority side, that would ask to make this a national health
insurance plan, a single payer, as it's described. And in that bill, of
course, was a robust--that's the way the progressive wing of the
Democratic Caucus described it--a robust public option.
Madam Speaker, just as the Democratic majority when President Clinton
was the President of this country with the HillaryCare, they weren't
able to get that bill passed. And this administration under President
Obama and this Democratic majority realized that they could not
initially get a single-payer plan through this Congress and past the
American people, but they felt that they could get so close, one step
away, by having this robust public option to compete with the private
market and virtually squeeze the private market out of any hope of
profitability such that eventually everybody would be in the public
plan and eventually they would take that one additional step in maybe
the 112th or 113th Congress, if the Democratic majority continued and
President Obama sought and got a second term, that they would get to
that goal that so many Members on the Democratic side of the aisle who
have been here for years and years and years, the ultimate goal of
passing a single-payer national health insurance plan.

{time} 2120

And so I think the gentleman from Tennessee is absolutely right in
regard to what the overall plan was to accomplish, and that's a great
fear that we continue to have.
I want to yield back to the gentleman from Tennessee. I know we've
been joined by my colleague from the

[[Page 5346]]

State of Georgia, family practitioner Paul Broun, and I'll call on him
in just a few minutes for his comments as well. I yield back to the
gentleman from Tennessee at this point.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I thank the gentleman for yielding. And I think
what we need to do, Dr. Gingrey and Dr. Broun, is, why is that a
concern? You formed this very well. Why are we concerned about this?
And as I said, I believe this is designed to fail because we saw what
it did to our local private insurers in the State of Tennessee, where
we had about $1,800 per year shifted in costs. So those costs, it's a
hidden tax.
What will happen is businesses now are struggling. And you know that
the number one issue in this Nation right now should be jobs; number
two, jobs; and, number three, jobs. Everywhere I went in the district
this weekend people were fearful and worried about losing their jobs.
They were underemployed or either not employed whatsoever.
So we have a system, when this Medicaid expansion occurs, what will
happen is private businesses will get, not in addition to all of the
taxes that are in here we'll talk about later; but this is absolutely
designed to fail. And we're worried about it for what reason?
As physicians we're worried about rationing care.
I attended a conference at East Tennessee State University College of
Medicine while I was home, and we had a look at the Canadian health
care system, we had a look at the English health care system, we had a
look at the VA, and we had a look at our system. All have plusses, all
have minuses, all have problems.
One of the things that I listened and summarized in that is that our
concern as a physician is that you will eventually, when you have this
many dollars and you have more demand for services than you have
dollars to pay for it, there is no other option but rationing care.
It's happened in every system around the world, and it will happen
here.
And my prediction is by 2020 is when we're going to really hit, about
10 years because this plan is phased in, if we don't repeal it and
replace it, it's phased in over a period of years. And the reason I
believe this is that's what I've seen in Tennessee.
The other part of this plan that's so similar that we've tried also
is in Massachusetts. We have no preexisting conditions, and the
Republicans had a perfectly good way to solve that problem. It isn't
even difficult if you do this. Preexisting conditions are only a
problem for the small group market, small business market and an
individual.
And when I retired from my medical practice, I had a single insurance
plan. If it had been tax deductible, it would have been 35 percent
cheaper for me to own health insurance coverage; and high-risk pools,
and let you go across State lines and form large groups. You can solve
the preexisting conditions without mandates.
In Massachusetts they have a mandate, and there's a tax for a fine if
you don't purchase health insurance. And without subsidies, without
Federal subsidies, that plan in Massachusetts would be in terrible
problems, terrible shape.
So what have we done? We have taken the Tennessee plan, which hasn't
worked. And by the way, this year, Dr. Gingrey, we're going to limit
patient visits to eight doctor visits per year in the State because
that's all we can pay for. And all the TennCare plan will pay for your
hospitalization is $10,000. I don't care what the bill is.
So you've got both. We're already rationing care with that system.
You've got the Massachusetts plan that's also doing exactly the same
thing. And those two together.
One other thing I want to mention before we get Dr. Broun in,
actually two things----
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. If the gentleman will yield back to me, and I
will yield back to you before, we, Madam Speaker, call on Dr. Broun.
But you know, you mentioned about jobs. And certainly, I felt very
strongly. I've said it from this dais on this House floor, I say it
back in the district every opportunity I can, that the number one
priority, the number one priority when President Obama was inaugurated
last January, over a year ago now, was the creation of jobs.
Now, you know, I heard our colleagues that were on the floor in the
previous hour, Madam Speaker, Democratic Members from California,
Wisconsin, Ohio and New York, touting the economic stimulus package,
ARRA, the acronym, and how wonderful it was, and how----
And the gentleman from California said, I think he, Madam Speaker, he
said coming from California back to Washington today he picked up the
Sacramento Bee and the newspaper, his newspaper said that the average
tax refund for this year was going to be $2,400 a family. And the group
of Members went on to explain, well, that was because of the economic
stimulus package, and that these people were going to get this nice tax
return.
Madam Speaker, I would suggest that it's very likely that the average
tax return out there in Sacramento, California, is because maybe during
the last calendar year, that many of these people only got to work 6 or
7 months, and then they joined the ranks of the unemployed. They had
filled out a W-9 at the beginning of the year, and so much money was
taken out of their pay check to pay their estimated Federal income tax,
if they had been employed for a full year and, God help them, they
weren't employed, they lost their jobs, they joined the ranks of the 16
million, they became part of the 10 percent in this country of
unemployed. And whoopty doo, they got a $2,400 tax return. Now, isn't
that great?
And, Madam Speaker, I heard these same colleagues talk about, I think
it was the gentlewoman maybe from Ohio, talking about all the jobs that
were saved. Well, it must have been a heck of a lot of them. I think
she said 2.5 million, because 3.3 million were lost. Maybe they saved 5
million. I don't know how you figure that.
But I do know, Madam Speaker, that when that bill was passed, the
pledge to the American people for borrowing $787 billion worth of
additional, I guess, borrowed money from China that we will use to
stimulate the economy, the pledge was that the unemployment rate, which
was 7.6 percent at the time, was not going to go above 8 percent and we
were going to save all these jobs.
And no matter what the group said, and all the things that they tried
to tout in regard to the economic stimulus package, I feel, Madam
Speaker, and the American people feel it was a dismal failure. I
guarantee you those 16 million that have been out of work for six or
more months feel like it was a dismal failure.
And so, you know, here again, somebody, one of the other Members
said, hopefully the American people understand who's on your side. I
think that was a quote from the gentleman from Wisconsin.
Well, I would suggest the American people ought to think, well, who's
your nanny? Who's creating the nanny state? Who's building your hammock
that much bigger so that you depend on the Federal Government?
So as we talk about our concerns about the health care reform act
with the Federal Government taking over one-sixth of our economy, it's
not just about health care. We're pretty passionate about it, Madam
Speaker, because the three Members on the floor on the Republican side
of the aisle tonight are members of the Doctors Caucus, the GOP House
Doctors Caucus. We're physicians.
In the aggregate, I bet you the three of us, Madam Speaker, have
spent 75 or 80 years practicing medicine. So we're very passionate
about that, the government taking over; not just the fact that it's
one-sixth of the economy, but coming between us and our patients, the
doctor-patient relationship.
But it's a much bigger issue than that, Madam Speaker. And the
gentleman from Tennessee referred to it. I know the gentleman from
Georgia, my colleague from the great district that he represents in
Georgia, including the University of Georgia and Athens and my hometown
of Augusta, they're going to talk about that.

[[Page 5347]]

But we're concerned about much more than this egregious health care
reform bill. We're concerned about the Federal Government taking over
every aspect of our lives.
And, Madam Speaker, I will just make this comment before yielding to
Dr. Roe: the bigger the nanny gets, the smaller we get.

{time} 2130

The bigger the Federal Government becomes, the smaller each
individual becomes, and our rights are eroded inevitably.
And I will yield back to the gentleman from Tennessee.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I think the comment is a government large enough to give you anything
you want is powerful enough to take away everything you have.
Just briefly on jobs before I go on with health care, three counties
at least in my district of 12 have unemployment rates of 16 percent. I
left one yesterday, spending the day there before I came back last
night. And 87 percent of the people in the First Congressional District
of Tennessee don't think the stimulus package has done them any good,
and the reason they don't think it's done them any good is it hasn't
done them any good. Their own view of it is it hasn't helped them, and
I think they're right.
I know that we had a lot of discussions and a lot of jokes were made
about death panels and so on. There is a provision--I would encourage
my colleagues to read this bill, and I've already introduced
legislation already. There is a panel. In this Senate bill--not in the
House bill. The House did not pass this. But the Senate bill did in
reconciliation. It's basically the Senate bill with a few tweaks is
what got to the President for his signature.
There is a panel in Medicare called an Independent Payment Advisory
Board. And before--you know, in this particular plan, the way we fund
this, we're cutting $500 billion out of the Medicare plan over the next
10 years. And during the next 10 years, beginning next year, the baby
boomers hit Medicare age. We're going to add 3 million baby boomers per
year for the next 20 years. Actually, 78 million are estimated to be at
Medicare age in the next 20 years. So in 10 years, about 35 million
people will reach that age with 500 billion less dollars. And what we
did as a Congress was we gave up our purse strings, our control of the
purse strings on how Medicare dollars are spent for this Independent
Payment Advisory Board.
Well, let me tell you what happens. When you have 35 million more
people chasing 500 billion less dollars, this panel will use something
called comparative effectiveness research. And we know what that is.
We've already seen just the beginnings of it when we talk about, Well,
you really don't need to have your mammogram until age 50.
Let me look the camera in the eye and tell people, Dr. Gingrey--and
Dr. Broun knows this very well--I cannot tell you how many patients I
have seen over the past years less than 40 years of age with no family
history with breast cancer. And right now we begin screening mammograms
at age 35, and almost every insurance company in the world pays for
screening mammograms at age 35 and repeated at 40 and so on. If you
have a family history, you get them more than that.
That's what they're going to begin using, and that's what's done in
England right now, because they can't afford to pay for the screening
mammograms. And you and I both know that we can feel a lump in a breast
when it gets about 2 centimeters. And for those of you who don't deal
in metric, that is about three-fourths of an inch. You can palpate
that. Once a lump gets that big, some of those have actually spread.
So that's a panel that will decide whether you get a hip replacement,
whether you have heart bypass surgery when you reach a certain age. We
need to relook at that very seriously. And that's something that's not
known to almost anyone, but I've already introduced legislation to
repeal this.
And, by the way, there was a letter with 50 Democrats on this that
also agreed with this before this bill was passed, and I urge my
colleagues on the other side of the aisle to help us to replace this
current piece of legislation.
I yield back.
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. The gentleman from Tennessee, Madam Speaker,
talking about this preventative services task force that came out with
this recommendation, their timing couldn't have been worse, I think, in
regard to the Democratic majority wanting to get this health care
reform bill passed. But this was several months ago, and they actually
came before the Energy and Commerce Committee and testified and said,
Well, you know, we're just an advisory committee. I mean, this doesn't
have the force of law, this preventative services task force. It's just
making recommendations of what preventive services are good for
patients and, indeed, are cost effective.
And, Madam Speaker, that's what Dr. Roe, the OB/GYN from Tri-Cities,
Tennessee, is talking about. They came out and said that it was not
necessary; in fact, indeed, it was a waste of money to do a mammogram
screening for breast cancer in women during their forties. And then
they went on to say it was really questionable whether it was cost
effective or beneficial to do them in women over 65 and scared the
bejesus out of all of our moms and grandmoms and sisters and, in some
cases, daughters of this country.
And the scary thing about this, Madam Speaker, is this will become,
this preventative services task force that's an advisory group will
become part of this massive bureaucracy of the new health care delivery
system, and what they say will be law and will be gospel.
Now, a physician who is advised by his specialty--so, say like mine
and Dr. Roe, the American College of OB/GYN, we're both proud Fellows,
and we get these best practices clinical bulletins on a monthly basis
in regard to what is the best care. They continue to recommend that
screening and the importance of that screening during the decade of the
forties.
So, Madam Speaker, we're in a situation now where the OB/GYN doctors
decide, I don't care what ObamaCare says, I'm going to continue to do
those self-breast exams and I am going to look for that 2-centimeter
lump that the patient is unlikely to find herself, and I'm going to do
that screening mammogram. And let's say the screening mammogram shows
something, something a little suspicious. And then the doctor takes the
next step, the next logical and recommended step by the ACOG, and
orders a needle biopsy. And maybe, Madam Speaker, that needle biopsy,
thank God, comes back benign and it comes back not to be a malignancy.
It was suspicious but turned out not to be a malignancy.
But lo and behold, that patient develops an abscess, an infection
from that needle biopsy--which is certainly a risk, a very low risk
that that could occur. That doctor would probably--he or she would be
sued out of their practice for doing the right thing. But yet the
provision of ObamaCare would allow this preventative services task
force to make it appear that they had done the wrong thing and they
would not be able to defend themselves.
So these are just some of the things that I guess Madam Speaker was
talking about, the Speaker--Madam Speaker, I know you are the Speaker
pro tem, as it were, tonight. But Speaker Pelosi was quoted as saying,
I don't know, just maybe a week or so before the bill passed, that we
need to hurry up and pass this bill so people can find out what's in
it. Well, people indeed, Madam Speaker, are finding out what's in it,
and it's not pretty. It's not pretty.
I think the gentleman from Tennessee wants to make one more point,
and then I will quickly refer to Dr. Broun. And also Dr. Cassidy has
joined us, and I look forward to yielding to him as well.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Just some real-world experience, not textbook and not in academia.
I'm talking about out in my office practicing. The last year I was in
practice--and something strange happened over

[[Page 5348]]

31 years. My patients got older with me, and they started developing
things. I saw 15 breast cancers myself the last year I was in my
medical practice. I could feel one of them. The rest of them were
picked up on. I could not palpate the mass. They were picked up on
screening mammograms. Now, that's something that will be done--and you
know if you find that disease that early--it's one of the great
stories, Dr. Gingrey, that I like to tell.
When I began practice--and all of us here are pretty close to the
same vintage. When I began practice, 50 percent of the patients with
breast cancer had a 50 percent 5-year survival rate.

{time} 2140

Today, an early diagnosed breast cancer like that has a 95 percent
survival rate. It's a wonderful story to tell. There is no reason for
us to go backwards. I mean, it would be a tragedy of unbelievable
proportions if we did that.
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Thank you, Dr. Roe.
I now yield to Dr. Paul Broun from Athens and Augusta.
Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Thank you.
I am asked frequently by my constituents, Dr. Broun, what does
ObamaCare mean for me? And what I explain to my constituents that ask
that is that, number one, if they have private health insurance today
they can't keep it because it's going to change. In fact, I will
respectfully disagree with my learned colleague from Tennessee really
on the semantics of what Dr. Roe was saying when he said this bill was
designed to fail.
Well, actually, it's designed to fail for what it was promoted to be,
and that's to provide free health care for people all over this
country. Well, some people are going to get free health care, but the
reality is it was designed so that we wouldn't stay in this current
system. So it, according to the designers, it's going to be successful,
because it's going to push everybody out of private insurance onto one
single government policy.
So it is designed to be successful in what this President and what
the leadership here in Congress wanted it to do, and that's to go to
what President Obama said during his dog-and-pony show at the Blair
House just a few weeks ago. He said he wanted everybody in this country
under one pool, one insurance plan administered by the Federal
Government, which means every American citizen is going to have
socialized medicine, everybody.
That's what their plan is. That's what it was designed to do. So it
won't fail in the respect of what they designed the plan to do, because
it's going to be very successful. If it stays in place, everybody in
this country is going to be under a socialized medicine system.
The second thing we were told that it was going to lower the cost of
health care. But American citizens need to know it's not going to lower
the cost to anybody. In fact, private health insurance is going to go
up.
We are told by our Democrat colleagues that the doctor-patient
relationship is going to be maintained. But that's hogwash. A Federal
bureaucrat, as Dr. Roe was just talking about, about preventive care
but really for all care, there is going to be a bureaucrat in
Washington, D.C., that's going to be making decisions for every single
patient, for every single doctor in this country.
So the American citizens need to know that if you want to make health
care decisions, and what I tell them, is if you want to make health
care decisions with you and your doctor making those decisions, you are
not going to be able to do that anymore, and there is going to be
ration of care for everybody, whether you are currently under private
insurance or whether you are under the government insurance program.
If you have that card, if you are given free insurance, even under
this plan, given that free health care insurance card or if you are on
Medicare or Medicaid, you may have the card in your pocket, but there
aren't going to be any doctors that are going to accept it because they
can't from a financial perspective.
Another thing the American people need to understand, that I keep
telling my patients, is that, particularly in small rural communities,
there won't be any hospitals and doctors there anymore because they
can't afford to stay in business. They are just going to be some huge
regional hospitals that eventually are going to be government hospitals
like the VA.
Now, there are some good VA hospitals. We have the luxury of having a
great VA health care center in Augusta, Georgia, the Charlie Norwood VA
Medical Center, which actually has two hospitals there. And the
veterans are very fortunate, blessed, to have Rebecca Wiley in the VA
system there in Augusta. But even there, there is ration of care and
there are a lot of problems.
It's going to get worse at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center for
the veterans that are there, but it's going to get worse for everybody.
So the quality of health care is going to go down for everybody in this
country. The cost is going to go up.
One other thing I tell my constituents, when they ask, Dr. Broun,
what's this going to mean for me? If they are small businesses I am
going to tell them that they are going to cut jobs because they are
going to have to do so because of the financial burden that the extra
taxes is going to put on them.
That means that many millions, actually, of American citizens are
going to lose their jobs because of this bill. They are going to lose
their jobs, but strictly because of this bill.
Another thing is we are going to have cost controls, or it's going to
break this Nation financially, and it can cause an economic collapse to
America.
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. On his point in regard to the loss of jobs, I
want to ask my colleagues to refer to this poster that I have. Because
in the first week after this bill passed, these companies like AT&T,
Verizon, John Deere, Caterpillar, these are companies that are, of
course, household names, everybody recognizes before I mention them,
but there are some 3,500 companies, other companies, smaller, medium-
sized companies, some large as well as these four I mentioned, that are
going to have to take charges against their future earnings. They are
required, Madam Speaker, to do this by law, to file with the SEC, so
the that the moms and pops across this country, retirees on fixed
incomes who may have a few shares of AT&T, Verizon or John Deere and
Caterpillar, in the interest of full disclosure, the companies are
required to make those reports of charges against future earnings.
And in the aggregate, Madam Speaker, these companies have taken $14
billion worth of charges against future earnings because of a provision
in the health reform act in regard to providing prescription benefits
to their retirees, and that's exactly what my colleague from the 10th
District of Georgia, Dr. Broun, is referring to when he says it is
going to cost jobs. Because the only way these companies can continue
to provide those benefits is to cut back on their employment base or
simply say to the new hires, we are not going to be able to provide a
prescription drug benefit to you in your retirement years. You just
need to go sign up for Medicare Part D.
So you have got everybody losing. The company is losing, the retiree
is losing, and the Federal Government and John Q. Taxpayer is losing.
Because more and more people are getting the benefit for Medicare Part
D rather than from these companies who wanted to give it to them, but
the provisions in this bill snatched that opportunity away from them.
Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Well, thank you, Dr. Gingrey.
In fact, there is a John Deere plant in Columbia County, Georgia,
just north of Augusta. That's a great plant. It hires hundreds of my
constituents and citizens in the State of Georgia, and people are going
to be put out of work from John Deere in my district. And then people
can look at your chart there, I hope that the camera will focus upon it
and look at it just for a moment or two, and just see the amount

[[Page 5349]]

of money that these companies are going to lose. Well, how can they
lose that and continue in business? Well, the only way they could do so
is by cutting jobs.
The people who are going to be hurt most in this country are the poor
people and senior citizens on limited incomes. The Medicare folks are
going to be hurt because of loss of their doctors. The doctors are not
going to be able to take their Medicare anymore. We already see
doctors, primary care doctors like me who practice medicine are going
to have to quit because they can't afford to continue to see Medicare
or Medicaid patients anymore.
In fact, I talked to a lot of my medical colleagues in the 10th
Congressional District in northeast Georgia, and they are quitting
seeing patients on government insurance. Why? Because they absolutely
cannot afford to do so anymore because their reimbursement rate, what
they are paid is less than what it costs them to give those services.
I will give you one example out of my own practice. Medicaid, I used
to be in an office. As the gentleman from Marietta knows, I did a full-
time house-call medical practice. I still practice medicine today. I
still see patients, still do house calls, did that full time before
coming here. But when I was in the office as a primary care doctor, I
saw patients from cradle to grave; and some of my most favorite
patients were the pediatric patients.
We would give childhood immunizations. But Medicaid cut the
reimbursement rate to us, in our office, below the level it cost us to
buy the serum. And that didn't count the cost of the syringe or the
nurse's time or the liability coverage and all the other things and my
time, anything else. So we had to stop giving childhood immunizations
in my office and had to send patients over to the health department.

{time} 2150

And, actually, they could go to Kroger and get a flu shot cheaper
than I could buy the flu shot serum and be reimbursed by Medicaid or
Medicare at less than what the serum cost me just to buy it. I couldn't
afford to do that. And that is the kind of thing that doctors all over
the country are facing, this kind of a dilemma. They want to deliver
those services, they want to take care of their patients, but they just
cannot afford continuing to do so. And I think, coming back to the
``designed to fail,'' what I think that our colleagues on the other
side of the aisle and the administration have put in place is something
so that it's going to fail, and they can establish a socialized
medicine program.
Before I yield back to Dr. Gingrey, I want to just say one more
thing. Last August, I spent a few days up in Canada and I talked to
patients just to find out about the Canadian health care system. I
talked to one man who makes $50,000 a year. He told me that he spends
60 percent, 60 percent of his income in Canadian federal and provincial
taxes primarily to pay for the health care system; 60 percent of
$50,000. That doesn't give him much to live off of. And that's exactly
where we're headed in this country. So particularly lower-income,
middle class folks and low-income people are going to be hit the
hardest. And then the senior citizens who are on a limited income are
really going to be hit hard because of the cuts in Medicare.
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. I thank the gentleman. And, Madam Speaker, I
want to yield time now to another member of the House GOP Doctors
Caucus, the gentleman from the Sixth District of Louisiana, Dr. Bill
Cassidy.
Mr. CASSIDY. Thank you, Dr. Gingrey. You know, I like the focus of
this conversation. And if you will, I want to point out that oftentimes
when we speak about losing a job, unless you've lost your job, you
assume it's someone else that is losing their job. But I think it's
important for the American people to understand that this has the
potential to affect people at all strata.
Let's start off with the tax on Medicare, the increased Medicare tax.
This is going to be on the people who earn over $200,000 a year. Many
of these folks don't consider themselves wealthy. If they're small
business people, he or she is trying to make a payroll and expand a
business, and this is going to hit them. And inevitably, when you tax,
you are going to lose money that would otherwise be available to create
jobs.
One of our famous Chief Justices said that the power to tax is the
power to destroy. When you increase taxes on these folks that are job
creators, you destroy their ability to create jobs. Now, folks say,
well, that doesn't relate to me because those are the folks who are
small business people, and I'm not a small business person. Well, as it
turns out, let's go to the other end of the spectrum. As it turns out,
this plan levies a $2,000 penalty upon an employer whose employees will
get a tax credit from the Federal Government. Now, the Congressional
Budget Office--not the Republicans, not the Democrats, but the
objective arm of Congress, the Congressional Budget Office--says that
because of this there will be less hiring of lower-income people. When
you are a small business person hiring entry-level wage earners and you
are levied a tax of $2,000 per person, you're not going to hire. You're
going to find a way to increase productivity where you don't have to
hire those folks.
I caught a fellow who owns a string of Taco Bells, and he has 20
employees per place. He said, if I have to put a $2,000 tax on each of
my employees--he has about 500 total--in a very price-sensitive market
where someone makes a decision to buy or not to buy fast food depending
on price, I'm going to have to lay people off. So now we have the small
business person who is going to pay the increased tax. Therefore, it
destroys the ability to create as many jobs, and now we have the tax,
if you will, the employment tax on the person who is at the entry-level
job.
Let's go to a different person, someone who works for a large
corporation. Well, again, in the effort to grab enough revenue to look
like this is cost neutral, there is now a tax levied upon medical
device makers. There was a great article in realclearmarkets.com where
they kind of go through what you're posing here, that the health care
bill that we just passed is going to be terrible for the job market. So
in this bill there is levied a 2.9, I think, percent tax on medical
devices. Well, it turns out you can ship those things to Ireland,
according to this article, and you're still taxed. It isn't just those
that are being marketed in the United States, but, rather, it's those
that you would be selling overseas, incredibly competitive market where
people in Ireland, China, the United States are all manufacturing these
devices.
Well, if you manufacture it here, there is a tax apparently even if
you export. But if you manufacture it in another country, you are only
taxed on those that you bring to the United States. So let's say your
shop is in India and you're producing artificial hips and you send 100
to the United States. Well, there is a little bit of tax in that
hundred; but if you send 1,000 elsewhere in the world, there is no tax
whatsoever. If you build those same artificial hips in the United
States, you are taxed wherever they go. So if you're working in the
manufacturing unit of that medical equipment maker, you lose your job.
If you are the person designing it, they're going to offshore it to
another country. If you're the owner, you may say, why am I doing my
manufacturing here and taking a 3 percent hit on whatever I do? Why
don't I set up my shop in another country and only pay the tax if I
import it to the United States?
Again, in a desperate desire for revenue to make this look neutral,
we've taxed jobs. And going back to what Supreme Court Justice John
Marshall said, the power to tax is the power to destroy. When you raise
$500 billion of taxes in the economy, you are going to destroy jobs.
I yield back.
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. The gentleman, Madam Speaker, is absolutely
accurate in what he just presented to our colleagues.
And there is another point in this bill that I think the Speaker,
Speaker

[[Page 5350]]

Pelosi, may have been referring to when she said we need to pass it so
folks can find out what's in it. The law before this was passed in
regard to what people could take in the way of a tax deduction for
health care expenditures was limited to that amount above 7.5 percent
of their adjusted gross income. Well, you would have to be a low-income
person to take advantage of that tax break, if you will. This existed
for a number of years. And most people's adjusted gross income, if
they're in the middle class or upper middle class, their medical
expenditures in 1 year, Madam Speaker, are not going to be more than
7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income unless they got into a
catastrophic situation. So there is no advantage there except for our
low-income taxpayers.
That 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income kicks in pretty
quickly, and that's been heretofore an advantage to them. And yet in
this bill that threshold has been raised to 10 percent, 10 percent of
their adjusted gross income. This is just ripping the heart out of our
low-income folks who are not on a safety net program. They have
rejected the nanny state; they have gotten out of the hammock. They're
working, they have pride in having a job and supporting their families,
but we're making it that much harder on them, Madam Speaker. And this
might be small potatoes to some people, but it's real to our low-income
people who are working--the working poor, as we sometimes refer to
them--and I wanted to make sure we pointed that out.
At this point, my colleagues, I will start with Dr. Roe from
Tennessee, and then we will go back to Dr. Broun from Georgia.
Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I think what we were told--and you saw lots of
manipulations during this particular, incredibly complex bill about the
pay-fors and how this is going to be budget neutral. Well, let's just
go over some history of these estimates by the government.
Number one, when Medicare was established in 1965, it was a $3
billion program. It was estimated by the government--there was no CBO
then--but it was estimated by the government that in 25 years it would
be a $15 billion program. The real number, $90 billion, and today, over
$500 billion.

{time} 2200

Some of the pay-fors are the CLASS Act. I think this would make
Bernie Madoff grin from ear to ear, and he probably is right now. The
CLASS Act, unless you exempt yourself out of it, it is a payroll
deduction to pay for long-term health care services, maybe a nurse in
your home or assisted living or that type thing. Probably not a bad
idea. And over the next 10 years, this bucket of money will be about
$70 billion.
What this plan pays for is it is--have you heard this before? You are
going to borrow the money out and spend it on health care, have a $70
billion liability out here that you call an asset, and leave that
liability for future generations. We are also doing that with about $54
billion in Social Security. No money there. It is all spent. But my
grandchild, who will be 17 in 10 years, will get the bill for that.
The student loan program; it was touted as a savings. And let me just
take a minute, because I don't have much time, to let people know why
is the student loan program in the health care bill? I mean, you should
ask that question.
Well, the Federal Government took over the student loan program.
There were two programs, of which 80 percent used the private sector.
In the private sector, Dr. Gingrey, 80 percent of the loans were made
for students. Eighty percent. I talked to the chancellor at Vanderbilt
University in Nashville, Tennessee, a great university. He much
preferred the private program, but it has been taken over by the
Federal program.
They are going to borrow the money at 2.8 percent, lend it to our
students at 6.8, call this interest that they make a savings, spend
that on health care. They are not doing that to lower the costs for
students to make their education less expensive. In Tennessee, it is
going to cost our students about $1,600 to $1,800 over the duration of
the loan in more interest payments.
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. If the gentleman would yield back, Madam
Speaker, and I know we are getting toward the end of our hour. And I
really appreciate him bringing that out, because in the process of
doing that, I think it is important for all of our colleagues to know
that taking over, the government taking over, first it was a public
option, and as Dr. Roe just pointed out, Madam Speaker, now it is a
complete government takeover of the student loan industry, and I think
it is instructive, as I said at the outset of the hour, of what the
intention is in regard to the health care system.
And, oh, by the way, in the process of the Federal Government taking
away student loan lending from Sallie Mae and a lot of banks across
this country, they destroyed about 70,000 jobs in the private market.
I want to yield to the gentleman from Georgia for a couple of
minutes, and then if he will yield back to me to conclude.
Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Certainly, Dr. Gingrey. I appreciate it.
Some of our colleagues keep saying we are just being sore losers. We
have lost, that the bill is now law, and that we need to just move on.
Well, that is what our colleagues who would very much like to see us
have socialized medicine in America would like for us to do. But we
cannot do that because this bill is going to be a killer. It is going
to kill our economy. It is going to kill jobs. It is going to kill the
quality of health care in this country. We are going to have rationing
of care so that people who need services are not going to be able to
get those services.
It is going it kill unborn babies because the taxpayers are going to
be paying now for greater abortion services. We are going to have,
because of this bill, a greater expansion of abortion services, and the
taxpayers are going to pay for it. Even a lot of pro-choice people in
this country believe it is just fundamentally wrong for taxpayers to
pay for elective abortions. So it is going to be a killer bill.
But what we need to do, and we all heard during the time that many of
the grass roots were here, they kept saying, ``Kill the bill.'' Well,
we unfortunately weren't able to kill the bill, but what we can do is
we can repeal it, and we can replace it with policy that makes sense
for the American people.
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. If the gentleman would yield back me, and I
just want to continue on that theme as we conclude. And I thank my
colleagues from Louisiana and from Tennessee and from Georgia.
But the gentleman from Georgia just said it so well. We are going to
repeal this bill. That is the pledge. The Republican minority party
now, but hopefully soon to be the majority party on November the 3rd of
this year, our pledge is to repeal this bill and to replace it. And I
think it is very important that the American people understand that
that is part of the pledge.
I read an article, Madam Speaker, today in the National Review by
Jeff Anderson, this week's issue, and he described something he called
a Republican small bill. And I will just quickly list about six things
that would be in that replacement bill:
Number one, medical malpractice reform;
Number two, allowing people to buy health insurance across State
lines;
Number three, incentivize folks for healthy lifestyles in the
workplace, working out, stopping smoking, losing weight, and giving
them a break on their health insurance premiums or the deductible or
their copay to incentivize these people over a 30-year career in a job
so that when they get on Medicare they are healthier, and that we
indeed save a tremendous amount of money as a result of that;
Number four, equalize the tax treatment for individuals that are
purchasing in the individual market or the small group market. Give
them the same tax break that you give to employees and employers of
large companies;
Number five, increase Federal support, Federal support for State-run
high-risk pools that we can do in every

[[Page 5351]]

one of our 50 States so that folks with preexisting conditions wouldn't
have to pay an arm and a leg, three or four times what the standard
rates were;
And, last but not least, get the uninsured out of the emergency room
and into less expensive routine care and this expansion of community
health centers. I agree with that part of the bill.
But there are so many things that are wrong in this bill. It doesn't
lower costs. You know, it doesn't. It fails in the number one goal of
the President, to lower the cost of health care. This bill absolutely
does not do it. The small Republican bill would do it, and it would not
cost a trillion dollars to do it in the first 10 years and $2.5
trillion to do it in the second 10 years. So that is what we say to the
American people, give us a chance.
Madam Speaker, we want the American people to give us a chance, give
us an opportunity to regain the majority. We will repeal this bill and
we will replace it with something that really truly does bring down the
costs and insure so many of those 10 to 15 million that today do not
have health insurance because they can't afford it.
I yield back.

____________________

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

By unanimous consent, leave of absence was granted to:
Mr. Inslee (at the request of Mr. Hoyer) for today on account of
official business in the district.
Mr. Ruppersberger (at the request of Mr. Hoyer) for today and the
balance of the week on account of medical reasons.

____________________

SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED

By unanimous consent, permission to address the House, following the
legislative program and any special orders heretofore entered, was
granted to:
(The following Members (at the request of Ms. Sutton) to revise and
extend their remarks and include extraneous material:)
Ms. Sutton, for 5 minutes, today.
Mr. Hare, for 5 minutes, today.
Ms. Woolsey, for 5 minutes, today.
Ms. Kaptur, for 5 minutes, today.
Mr. DeFazio, for 5 minutes, today.
(The following Members (at the request of Ms. Foxx) to revise and
extend their remarks and include extraneous material:)
Mr. Poe of Texas, for 5 minutes, today and April 14, 15, 16, and 20.
Mr. Burton of Indiana, for 5 minutes, today and April 14, 15, and 16.
Mr. Jones, for 5 minutes, today and April 14, 15, 16, and 20.
Mr. Moran of Kansas, for 5 minutes, today and April 14, 15, and 20.
Mr. Neugebauer, for 5 minutes, today.
Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, for 5 minutes, today and April 14 and 15.
Ms. Foxx, for 5 minutes, today and April 14, 15, 16.

____________________

ENROLLED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION SIGNED

Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House, reported and found truly
enrolled bills and a joint resolution of the House of the following
titles, which were thereupon signed by the Speaker:

H.R. 4957. An act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the
Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United
States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport
improvement program, and for other purposes.
H.R. 4938. An act to permit the use of previously
appropriated funds to extend the Small Business Loan
Guarantee Program, and for other purposes.
H.R. 4872. An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to
Title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for
fiscal year 2010 (S. Con. Res. 13).
H.R. 4621. An act to protect the integrity of the
constitutionally mandated United States census and prohibit
deceptive mail practices that attempt to exploit the
decennial census.
H.J. Res. 80. Joint Resolution recognizing and honoring the
Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th anniversary of
representing blinded veterans and their families.

____________________

SENATE ENROLLED BILL SIGNED

The Speaker announced her signature to an enrolled bill of the Senate
of the following title:

S. 3186. An act to reauthorize the Satellite Home Viewer
Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 through April 30,
2010, and for other purposes.

____________________

BILLS PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT

Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House reports that on March 26, 2010
she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval,
the following bills.

H.R. 4957. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport
and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code,
to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program,
and for other purposes.
H.R. 4938. To permit the use of previously appropriated
funds to extend the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program,
and for other purposes.

Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House reports that on March 30, 2010
she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval,
the following bill.

H.R. 4872. To provide for reconciliation pursuant to Title
II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year
2010 (S. Con. Res. 13).

Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House reports that on April 01, 2010
she presented the President of the United States, for his approval, the
following bills.

H.R. 4621. To protect the integrity of the constitutionally
mandated United States census and prohibit deceptive mail
practices that attempt to exploit the decennial census.
H.J. Res. 80. Recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans
Association on its 65th anniversary of representing blinded
veterans and their families.

____________________

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now
adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 8 minutes
p.m.), the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, April 14, 2010,
at 10 a.m.

____________________

EXPENDITURE REPORTS CONCERNING OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL

Reports concerning the foreign currencies and U.S. dollars utilized
for Speaker-authorized official travel during the fourth quarter of
2009 and the first quarter of 2010, pursuant to Public Law 95-384 are
as follows:

(AMENDED) REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO DENMARK, EXPENDED BETWEEN DEC. 10 AND DEC. 21, 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Per diem\1\ Transportation Other purposes Total
---------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar
Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent
Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S.
currency\2\ currency\2\ currency\2\ currency\2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hon. Sander Levin...................... 12/17 12/19 Denmark.................. ........... 4,005.71 ........... (\3\) ........... ........... ........... 4,005.71
Alex. Barron........................... 12/10 12/21 Denmark.................. ........... 10,951.00 ........... 8,333.00 ........... ........... ........... 19,284.00
Lorie Schmitt.......................... 12/10 12/21 Denmark.................. ........... 10,951.00 ........... 8,333.00 ........... ........... ........... 19,284.00
Greg Dotson............................ 12/12 12/21 Denmark.................. ........... 10,505.00 ........... 7,963.00 ........... ........... ........... 18,468.00
Phil Barnett........................... 12/17 12/19 Denmark.................. ........... 4,123.00 ........... (\3\) ........... ........... ........... 4,123.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 5352]]

Committee total.................. ........ .......... ......................... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... ...........
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Per diem constitutes lodging and meals.
\2\If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended.
\3\Military air transportation.
HON. NANCY PELOSI, Mar. 18, 2010.

REPORT OF EXPENDITURES FOR OFFICIAL FOREIGN TRAVEL, DELEGATION TO BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, KOSOVO, MACEDONIA, SERBIA, AND GERMANY, EXPENDED BETWEEN FEB. 14 AND FEB. 22, 2010
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Per diem\1\ Transportation Other purposes Total
---------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar U.S. dollar
Name of Member or employee Country Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent Foreign equivalent
Arrival Departure currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S. currency or U.S.
currency\2\ currency\2\ currency\2\ currency\2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hon. Earl Pomeroy...................... 2/14 2/16 Bosnia-Herzegovina....... ........... 117.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 117.00
2/16 2/17 Kosovo................... ........... 73.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 73.00
2/17 2/18 Macedonia................ ........... 93.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 93.00
2/18 2/21 Serbia................... ........... 99.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 99.00
2/21 2/22 Germany.................. ........... 79.00 ........... ........... ........... ........... ........... 79.00

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee totals ................
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Per diem constitutes lodging and meals.
\2\If foreign currency is used, enter U.S. dollar equivalent; if U.S. currency is used, enter amount expended.
HON. EARL POMEROY, Mar. 19, 2010.

____________________

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ETC.

Under clause 2 of rule XXIV, executive communications were taken
from the Speaker's table and referred as follows:

6808. A letter from the Office of Research and Analysis,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule -- Food Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations: Resource Limits and Exclusions, and Extended
Certification Periods [FNS-2007-0042] (RIN: 0584-AD12)
received March 5, 2010 to the Committee on Agriculture.
6809. A letter from the Chief, Office of Research and
Analysis, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule -- Commodity Supplemental Food
Program (CSFP): Amendment Removing Priority Given to Women,
Infants and Children Before the Elderly in Program
Participation [FNS-2009-0015] (RIN: 0584-AD93) received March
5, 2010 to the Committee on Agriculture.
6810. A letter from the Acting Director, NRCS Legislative
Affairs Division, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule -- Compliance with NEPA (RIN: 0578-
AA55) received March 8, 2010 to the Committee on Agriculture.
6811. A letter from the Congressional Review Coordinator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule -- Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along
the U.S./Canada Border [Docket No.: APHIS-2006-0096] (RIN:
0579-AC06) received March 11, 2010 to the Committee on
Agriculture.
6812. A letter from the Congressional Review Coordinator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule -- Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza; Voluntary
Control Program and Payment of Indemnity [Docket No.: APHIS-
2005-0109] (RIN: 0579-AB99) received March 11, 2010 to the
Committee on Agriculture.
6813. A letter from the Congressional Review Corordinator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule -- Regulation of the Interstate Movement of Lemons
from Areas Quarantined for Mediterranean Fruit Fly [Docket
No.: APHIS-2009-0002] received March 22, 2010 to the
Committee on Agriculture.
6814. A letter from the Department Director, Regulations
Policy and Management Staff, Department of Health and Human
Services, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Listing
of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Paracoccus
Pigment; Confirmation of Effective Date [Docket No.: FDA-
2007-C-0456] (formerly Docket No. 2007C-0245) to the
Committee on Agriculture.
6815. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management
Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the
Agency's final rule -- Spiromesifen; Pesticide Tolerances
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0262; FRL-8436-9] received March 16, 2010 to
the Committee on Agriculture.
6816. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management
Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the
Agency's final rule -- Hexythiazox; Pesticide Tolerances for
Emergency Exemptions [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0540; FRL-8808-4]
recevied March 16, 2010 to the Committee on Agriculture.
6817. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management
Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the
Agency's final rule -- Dithianon; Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-
HQ-OPP-2007-0460; FRL-8808-8] received March 16, 2010 to the
Committee on Agriculture.
6818. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management
Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the
Agency's final rule -- Chlorantraniliprole; Pesticide
Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0261; FRL-8809-3] received March
16, 2010 to the Committee on Agriculture.
6819. A letter from the Director, Office of National Drug
Control Policy, transmitting a proposed FY 2010 budget for
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program to the
Committee on Appropriations.
6820. A letter from the Director, Office of Management and
Budget, transmitting a request of FY 2011 emergency
supplemental funding, totaling $1.5 billion for the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF)
to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed.
6821. A communication from the President of the United
States, transmitting FY 2011 Budget Amendments for the
Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Health and Human
Services, the Treasury, Homeland Security, and State as well
as the United States Agency for International Development and
the Broadcasting Board of Governors to the Committee on
Appropriations and ordered to be printed.
6822. A letter from the Under Secretary, Department of
Defense, transmitting report on the Family Subsistence
Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) program, covering the period
October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2009 to the Committee
on Armed Services.
6823. A letter from the Director, Defense Procurement and
Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense, transmitting the
Department's final rule -- Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement; Payment of Costs Prior to
Definitization-Definition of Contract Action (DFARS Case
2009-D035) received March 3, 2010 to the Committee on Armed
Services.
6824. A letter from the Director, Defense Procurement and
Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense, transmitting the
Department's final rule -- Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement (DFARS); DFARS Case 2009-D017,
Continuation of Essential Contractor Services (RIN: 0750-
AG52) received March 3, 2010 to the Committee on Armed
Services.
6825. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Department of
Defense, transmitting a quarterly report on withdrawals or
diversions of equipment from Reserve component units for the
period of October 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 to the
Committee on Armed Services.
6826. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Department of
Defense, transmitting the annual National Guard and Reserve
Component Equipment Report for fiscal year (FY) 2010 to the
Committee on Armed Services.

[[Page 5353]]

6827. A letter from the Under Secretary, Department of
Defense, transmitting the Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs)
for the December 2009 reporting period to the Committee on
Armed Services.
6828. A letter from the Director, Defense Procurement and
Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense, transmitting the
Department's final rule -- Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement; Export-Controlled Items (DFARS Case
2004-D010) (RIN: 0750-AF13) received March 22, 2010 to the
Committee on Armed Services.
6829. A letter from the Director, Defense Procurement and
Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense, transmitting the
Department's final rule -- Defense Federal Acquisition
regulation Supplement; Acquisitions in Support of Operations
in Iraq or Afghanistan (DFARS Case 2008-D002) (RIN: 0750-
AG02) received March 22, 2010 to the Committee on Armed
Services.
6830. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Legislative
Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Transmittal No.
DDTC 09-142, certification of a proposed manufacturing
license agreement for the manufacture of significant military
equipment abroad, pursuant to section 36(d) of the Arms
Export Control Act to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
6831. A letter from the Chair, Congressional Oversight
Panel, transmitting the Panel's monthly report pursuant to
Section 125(b)(1) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act
of 2008, Pub. L. 110-343 to the Committee on Financial
Services.
6832. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's final rule
-- Suspension of Community Eligibility [Docket ID: FEMA-2010-
0003; Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA-8121] received March
19, 2010 to the Committee on Financial Services.
6833. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's final rule
-- Suspension of Community Eligibility [Docket ID: FEMA-2008-
0020; Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA-8111] received March
19, 2010 to the Committee on Financial Services.
6834. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's final rule
-- Final Flood Elevation Determinations [Docket ID: FEMA-
2010-0003] received March 19, 2010 to the Committee on
Financial Services.
6835. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's final rule
-- Changes in Flood Elevation Determinations [Docket ID:
FEMA-2010-0003; Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA-B-1073]
received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Financial
Services.
6836. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's final rule
-- Changes in Flood Elevation Determinations [Docket ID:
FEMA-2010-0003; Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA-B-1077]
received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Financial
Services.
6837. A letter from the General Counsel, Department of the
Treasury, transmitting a draft bill ``To authorize United
States participation in, and appropriations for the United
States contribution to, the ninth replenishment of the
resources of the Asian Development Fund and to authorize
United States participation in, and appropriations for the
United States subscription to, the fifth general capital
increase of the Asian Development Bank'' to the Committee on
Financial Services.
6838. A letter from the Chairman and President, Export-
Import Bank, transmitting a report on transactions involving
U.S. exports to Turkey pursuant to Section 2(b)(3) of the
Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended to the Committee
on Financial Services.
6839. A letter from the Secretary of the Commission,
Federal Trade Commission, transmitting the Commission's final
rule -- Final Model Privacy Form Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley
Act [Project No.: 034815] (RIN: 3084-AA94) received January
27, 2010 to the Committee on Financial Services.
6840. A letter from the General Counsel, National Credit
Union Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule -- Secondary Capital Accounts (RIN: 3133-AD67) received
March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Financial Services.
6841. A letter from the General Counsel, National Credit
Union Administration, transmitting the Administration's final
rule -- Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices (RIN: 3133-
AD47) received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Financial
Services.
6842. A letter from the Secretary, Securities and Exchange
Commission, transmitting the Commission's final rule --
Amendments to Regulation SHO (RIN: 3235-AK35) received March
3, 2010 to the Committee on Financial Services.
6843. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Health and
Human Services, transmitting the Department's ``Report to
Congress on a Plan for an Indian Head Start Study'' to the
Committee on Education and Labor.
6844. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Communications and Legislative Affairs, Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, transmitting the Commission's final
rule -- Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Retiree Health
Benefits (RIN: 3046-AA72) received March 16, 2010 to the
Committee on Education and Labor.
6845. A letter from the Assistant General Counsel for
Legislation, Regulation and Energy Efficiency, Department of
Energy, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Energy
Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial
Equipment: Test Procedure for Metal Halide Lamp Ballasts
(Active and Standby Modes) and Proposed Information
Collection; Comment Request; Certification, Compliance, and
Enforcement Requirements for Consumer Products and Certain
Commercial and Industrial Equipment; Final Rule and Notice
[Docket No.: EERE-2008-BT-TP-0017] (RIN: 1904-AB87) received
March 15, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6846. A letter from the Assistant General Counsel for
Legislation, Regulation and Energy Efficiency, Department of
Energy, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons: Maintaining
the Privacy of Applicants for and Recipients of Services
(RIN: 1904-AC16) received March 15, 2010 to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce.
6847. A letter from the Program Manager, Department of
Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department's
final rule -- Interim Final Rules under the Paul Wellstone
and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction equity
Act of 2008 [CMS-4140-IFC] (RIN: 0938-AP65) received March 3,
2010 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6848. A letter from the Department Director, Regulations
Policy and Management Staff, Department of Health and Human
Services, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Classification of Benzoyl Peroxide as Safe and Effective and
Revision of Labeling to Drug Facts Format; Topical Acne Drug
Products for Over-The-Counter Human Use; Final Rule [Docket
Nos.: FDA-1981-N-0114 and FDA-1992-N-0049] (formerly Docket
Nos. 1981N-0114A and 1992N-0311) (RIN: 0910-AG00) received
March 11, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6849. A letter from the Department Director, Regulations
and Policy and Management Staff, Department of Health and
Human Services, transmitting the Department's final rule --
New Animal Drug Applications; Confirmation of Effective Date
[Docket No.: FDA-2009-N-0436] received March 19, 2010 to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6850. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management
Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the
Agency's final rule -- Notice of Availability of Class
Deviation; Disputes Resolution Procedures Related to Clean
Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF and
DWSRF, respectively) Reallocation Under the American
Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) [FRI-9115-1]
received March 16, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce.
6851. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management
Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the
Agency's final rule -- Approval and Promulgation of
Implementation Plans and Designation of Areas for Air Quality
Planning Purposes; Arkansas; Redesignation of the Crittenden
County, Arkansas Portion of the Memphis, Tennessee-Arkansas
1997 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area to Attainment [EPA-R06-
OAR-2009-0202; FRL-9129-2] received March 18, 2010 to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6852. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management
Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the
Agency's final rule -- Approval and Promulgation of State
Implementation Plans: Alaska [EPA-R10-OAR-2008-0690; FRL-
9091-5] received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce.
6853. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management
Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the
Agency's final rule -- National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Asphalt Processing
and Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing; Technical Correction [EPA-
HQ-OAR-2009-0027; FRL-9128-1] (RIN: 2060-AO84) received March
18, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6854. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management
Division, Evironmental Protection Agency, transmitting the
Agency's final rule -- Approval and Promulagation of Air
Quality Implementation Plans; Indiana; Correction [EPA-R05-
OAR-2009-0771; FRL-9108-7] received March 16, 2010 to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6855. A letter from the Director, Regulatory Management
Divison, Evironmental Protection Agency, transmitting the
Agency's final rule -- Approval and Promulgation of
Implementation Plans; Albuquerque-Bernalillo County, New
Mexico; Excess Emissions [EPA-R06-OAR-2009-0745; FRL-9110-2]
received March 16, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce.
6856. A letter from the Chief of Staff, Media Bureau,
Federal Communication Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule -- Amendment of Section 73.202(b),
Table of Allotments, FM Broadcast Stations. (Markham, Ganado,
and Victoria, Texas) [MB Docket No.: 07-163] received March
3, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

[[Page 5354]]

6857. A letter from the Chief, Policy and Rules Division,
OET, Federal Communication Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule -- Facilitating Opportunities for
Flexible, Efficient, and Reliable Spectrum Use Employing
Cognitive Radio Technologies [ET Docket No.: 03-108] received
March 9, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6858. A letter from the Chief of Staff, Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule -- Amendment of Section 73.622(i),
Final DTV Table of Allotments, Television Broadcast Stations.
(Birmingham, Alabama) [MB Docket No. 10-21] received March
11, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6859. A letter from the Chief of Staff, Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule -- Amendment of Section 73.202(b),
Table of Allotments, FM Broadcast Stations. (Port Angeles,
Washington) [MB Docket No. 08-228] received March 11, 2010 to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6860. A letter from the Chief of Staff, Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule -- Amendment of Section 73.202(b),
Table of Allotments, FM Broadcast Stations. (Irvington,
Kentucky and French Lick, Indiana) [MB Docket No.: 07-296]
received March 3, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce.
6861. A letter from the Assistant Bureau Chief, WTB,
Federal Communications Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule -- Congressional Review Act [WT
Docket No.: 08-166, WT Docket No. 08-167, ET Docket No. 10-
24, FCC 10-16] received January 26, 2010 to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce.
6862. A letter from the Office of Managing Director, AMD-
PERM, Federal Communications Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Revisions to Rules Authorizing the
Operation of Low Power Auxiliary Stations in the 698-806 MHz
Band; Public Interest Spectrum Coalition, Petition for
Rulemaking Regarding Low Power Auxiliary Stations, Including
Wireless Microphones, and the Digital Television Transition;
Amendment of Parts 15, 74 and 90 of the Commission's Rules
Regarding Low Power Auxiliary Stations, Including Wireless
Microphones [WT Docket No.: 08-166, WT Docket No. 08-167, ET
Docket No. 10-24] received January 26, 2010 to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce.
6863. A letter from the Office of Managing Director, AMD-
PERM, Federal Communications Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule -- Revisions to Rules Authorizing the
Operation of Low Power Auxiliary Stations in the 698-806 MHz
Band; Public Interest Spectrum Coalition, Petition for
Rulemaking Regarding Low Power Auxiliary Stations, Including
Wireless Microphones, and the Digital Television Transition;
Amendment of Parts 15, 74 and 90 of the Commission's Rules
Regarding Low Power Auxiliary Stations, Including Wireless
Microphones [WT Docket No.: 08-166, WT Docket No. 08-167, ET
Docket No. 10-24] received January 26, 2010 to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce.
6864. A letter from the Chief of Staff, Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule -- Amendment of Section 73.622(i),
Final DTV Table of Allotments, Television Broadcast Stations
(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) [MB Docket No.: 10-19] received
March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6865. A letter from the Principal Deputy General Counsel,
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule -- Revisions to Form, Procedures, and
Criteria for Certification of Qualifying Facility Status for
a Small Power Production or Cogeneration Facility [Docket
No.: RM09-23-000; Order No. 732) received March 22, 2010 to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
6866. A letter from the Secretary of the Commission,
Federal Trade Commission, transmitting the Commission's final
rule -- Trade Regulation Rule Relating to Power Output Claims
for Amplifiers Utilized in Home Entertainment Products
received March 11, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce.
6867. A letter from the Secretary of the Commission,
Federal Trade Commission, transmitting the Commission's final
rule -- Free Annual File Disclosures (RIN: 3084-AA94)
received March 12, 2010 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce.
6868. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Legislative
Affairs, Department of State, transmitting the Department's
report on gifts given in Fiscal Year 2009 to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs.
6869. A letter from the Assistant Secretary For Export
Administration, Department of Commerce, transmitting the
Department's final rule -- Implementation of both the
Understandings Reached at the 2009 Australia Group (AG)
Plenary Meeting and a Decision Adopted under the AG
Intersessional Silent Approval Procedures [Docket No.:
100119033-0042-01] (RIN: 0694-AE85) received March 19, 2010
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
6870. A letter from the Assistant Secretary for Export
Administration, Department of Commerce, transmitting the
Department's final rule -- Wassenaar Arrangement 2008 Plenary
Agreements Implementation: Categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Parts I
and II, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the Commerce Control List,
Definitions, Reports; Correction [Docket No.: 0908041218-
91220-01] (RIN: 0694-AE58) received March 19, 2010 to the
Committee on Foreign Affairs.
6871. A letter from the Acting Under Secretary, Department
of Commerce, transmitting revision to the Export
Administration Act of 1979 to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs.
6872. A letter from the Director, U.S. Census Bureau,
Department of Commerce, transmitting the Department's final
rule -- Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR): Eliminate the Social
Security Number (SSN) as an identification number in the
Automated Export System (AES) [Docket Number: 090422707-
91445-02] (RIN: 0607-AA48) received March 23, 2010 to the
Committee on Foreign Affairs.
6873. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Legislative
Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Transmittal No.
DDTC 10-004, certification of a proposed technical assistance
agreement to include the export of technical data, and
defense services, pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms
Export Control Act to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
6874. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Legislative
Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Transmittal No.
DDTC 10-006, certification of a proposed technical assistance
agreement to include the export of technical data, and
defense services, pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms
Export Control Act to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
6875. A letter from the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty
Affairs, Department of State, transmitting report prepared by
the Department of State concerning international agreements
other than treaties entered into by the United States to be
transmitted to the Congress within the sixty-day period
specified in the Case-Zablocki Act to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs.
6876. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Legislative
Affairs, Department of State, transmitting Transmittal No.
DDTC 10-010 Certification of proposed issuance of an export
license, pursuant to sections 36(c) and 36(d) of the Arms
Export Control Act to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
6877. A letter from the Associate Director, Department of
the Treasury, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Cuban Assets Control Regulations; Sudanese Sanctions
Regulations; Iranian Transactions Regulations received March
9, 2010 to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
6878. A letter from the Associate Director, Department of
the Treasury, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Cuban Assets Control Regulations received March 9, 2010 to
the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
6879. A letter from the Special Inspector General for Iraq
Reconstruction, transmitting fifth lessons learned report
entitled ``Applying Iraq's Hard Lessons to the Reform of
Stablization and Reconstruction Operations'' to the Committee
on Foreign Affairs.
6880. A communication from the President of the United
States, transmitting report on the U.S. efforts to ensure the
free flow of information to Iran and to enhance the abilities
of Iranians to exercise their universal rights to the
Committee on Foreign Affairs.
6881. A letter from the Chairman, Consumer Product Safety
Commission, transmitting the Commission's annual report for
FY 2009 prepared in accordance with the Notification and
Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of
2002 (No FEAR Act), Pub. L. 107-174 to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform.
6882. A letter from the Chief Human Capital Officer,
Corporation for National and Community Service, transmitting
a report pursuant to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998
to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6883. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Administration, Department of Commerce, transmitting the
Department's final rule -- Commerce Acquisition Regulation
(CAR) [Document No.: 080730954-0033-02] (RIN: 0605-AA26)
received March 9, 2010 to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform.
6884. A letter from the Chairman, Federal Communications
Commission, transmitting the Commission's Fiscal Year 2009
Annual Performance Report to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform.
6885. A letter from the Acting Senior Procurement
Executive, General Services Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule--Federal Acquisition Regulation;
Technical Amendment [FAC 2005-39; Item VII; Docket FAR 2010-
0078; Sequence 1] received March 19, 2010 to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform.
6886. A letter from the Acting Senior Procurement
Executive, General Services Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule -- Federal Acquisition
Regulation; Technical Amendment [FAC 2005-39; Item VII;
Docket FAR 2010-0078; Sequence 1] received March 19, 2010 to
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6887. A letter from the Acting Senior Procurement
Executive, General Services Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule -- Federal Acquisition
Regulation; FAR Case 2008-015, Payments Under

[[Page 5355]]

Fixed-Price Architect-Engineer Contracts [FAC 2005-39; FAR
Case 2008-015; Item VI; Docket 2009-0015, Sequence 1] (RIN:
9000-AL26) received March 19, 2010 to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform.
6888. A letter from the Acting Senior Procurement
Executive, General Services Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule -- Federal Acquisition
Regulation; FAR Case 2008-040, Use of Standard Form 26 --
Award/Contract [FAC 2005-39; FAR Case 2008-040; Item III;
Docket 2010-0081, Sequence 1] (RIN: 9000-AL48) received March
19, 2010 to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6889. A letter from the Acting Senior Procurement
Executive, General Services Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule -- Federal Acquisition
Regulation; FAR Case 2009-035, Extend Use of Simplified
Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items [FAC
2005-39; FAR Case 2009-035; Item I; Docket 2010-0080,
Sequence 1] (RIN: 9000-AL52) received March 19, 2010 to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6890. A letter from the Acting Senior Procurement
Executive, General Services Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule -- Federal Acquisition
Regulation; FAR Case 2008-012, Clarification of Submission of
Cost or Pricing Data on Non-Commercial Modifications of
Commercial Items [FAC 2005-39; FAR Case 2008-012; Item II;
Docket 2008-0001, Sequence 23] (RIN: 9000-AL12) received
March 19, 2010 to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform.
6891. A letter from the Acting Senior Procurement
Executive, General Services Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule -- Federal Acquisition
Regulation; FAR Case 2008-006, Enhanced Competition for Task-
and Delivery-Order Contracts-Section 843 of the Fiscal Year
2008 National Defense Authorization Act [FAC 2005-39; FAR
Case 2008-006; Item IV; Docket 2008-0001, Sequence 25] (RIN:
9000-AL05) received March 19, 2010 to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform.
6892. A letter from the Acting Senior Procurement
Executive, General Services Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule -- Federal Acquisition
Regulation; Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-39;
Introduction [Docket FAR 2010-0076, Sequence 1] received
March 19, 2010 to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform.
6893. A letter from the Acting Senior Procurement
Executive, General Servics Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule -- Federal Acquisition
Regulation; FAR Case 2008-036, Trade Agreements-Costa Rica,
Oman, and Peru [FAC 2005-39; FAR Case 2008-036, Item V;
Docket 2009-019, Sequence 1] (RIN: 9000-AL23) received March
19, 2010 to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6894. A letter from the Commissioner, International Boundry
and Water Commission, transmitting the Commission's annual
report for FY 2009 prepared in accordance with the
Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and
Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act), Pub. L. 107-174 to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6895. A letter from the Director, Office of Personnel
Management, transmitting response to the recommendations made
by the Government Accountability Office in ``Results-Oriented
Cultures: Office of Personnel Management Should Review
Administrative Law Judge Program to Improve Hiring and
Performance'' to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform.
6896. A letter from the Chairman, Postal Regulatory
Commission, transmitting Advisory Opinion Concerning the
Process for Evaluating Closing Stations and Branches to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6897. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-329,
``Service Animal Amendment Act of 2010'' to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform.
6898. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-330,
``Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act of 2010''
to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6899. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-331,
``Closing of a Portion of an Unimproved Public Alley in
Square 5795, S.O. 08-7766, Act of 2010'' to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform.
6900. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-332,
``Office on Latino Affairs Grant-Making Authority Temporary
Amendment Act of 2010'' to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform.
6901. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-333,
``Rhode Island Place Shopping Center Working Group Temporary
Act of 2010'' to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform.
6902. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-334,
``Rent Administrator Hearing Authority Temporary Amendment
Act of 2010'' to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform.
6903. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-335,
``Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative
Applicability Temporary Amendment Act of 2010'' to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6904. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-336,
``Real Property Tax Reform Temporary Amendment Act of 2010''
to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6905. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-337,
``Healthy DC Equal Access Fund and Hospital Stabilization
Temporary Amendment Act of 2010'' to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform.
6906. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-338,
``Haiti Earthquake Relief Drug and Medical Supply Assistance
Temporary Act of 2010'' to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform.
6907. A letter from the Chairman, Council of the District
of Columbia, transmitting Transmittal of D.C. ACT 18-339,
``Energy Efficiency Financing Temporary Act of 2010'' to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
6908. A letter from the Assistant General Counsel, Federal
Election Commission, transmitting the Commission's final rule
-- Funds received in Repsonse to Solicitations; Allocation of
Expenses by Separate Segregated Funds and Nonconnected
Committees [Notice 2010-08] received March 15, 2010 to the
Committee on House Administration.
6909. A letter from the Chief Administrative Officer,
transmitting the quarterly report of receipts and
expenditures of appropriations and other funds for the period
January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010 as compiled by the
Chief Administrative Officer to the Committee on House
Administration and ordered to be printed.
6910. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka
Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management
Area [Docket No.: 0810141351-9087-02] (RIN: 0648-XU59)
received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6911. A letter from the Assistant Administrator for
Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South
Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment
29 Supplement [Docket No.: 090206140-91414-04] (RIN: 0648-
AX39) received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6912. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 feet (18.3m)
Length Overall Using Jig or Hook-and-Line Gear in the
Bogoslof Pacific Cod Exemption Area in the Bering Sea and
Aleutian Islands Management Area [Docket No.: 0810141351-
9087-02] (RIN: 0648-XU64) received March 17, 2010 to the
Committee on Natural Resources.
6913. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South
Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Reopening
of the Gulf Group King Mackerel East Coast Subzone [Docket
No.: 040205043-4043-01] (RIN: 0648-XU38) received March 17,
2010 to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6914. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Pot Gear in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area [Docket No.:
0810141351-9087-02] (RIN: 0648-XU65) received March 17, 2010
to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6915. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by
the Inshore Component in the Western Regulatory Area of the
Gulf of Alaska [Docket No.: 09100091344-9056-02] (RIN: 0648-
XU51) received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6916. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final

[[Page 5356]]

rule -- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska [Docket
No.: 0910091344-9056-02] (RIN: 0648-XU79) received March 17,
2010 to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6917. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by
the Offshore Component in the Central Regulatory Area of the
Gulf of Alaska [Docket No.: 09100091344-9056-02] (RIN: 0648-
XU63) received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6918. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels
Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by the Inshore Component
in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska [Docket
No.: 09100091344-9056-02] (RIN: 0648-XU37) received March 18,
2010 to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6919. A letter from the Assistant Administrator for
Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Correction [Docket No.:
071220872-0093-04] (RIN: 0648-AS71 and 0648-AU71) received
March 19, 2010 to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6920. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast
States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial
Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments
[Docket No.: 0809121213-9221-02] (RIN: 0648-AY40) received
March 17, 20010 to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6921. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka
Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management
Area [Docket No.: 0810141351-9087-02] (RIN: 0648-XU59)
received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6922. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Northeastern United; Black Sea Bass
Fishery; 2010 Black Sea Bass Specifications; Emergency Rule
[Docket No.: 100120036-0038-01] (RIN: 0648-XT99) received
March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6923. A letter from the Director Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska [Docket
No.: 0910091344-9056-02] (RIN: 0648-XU27) received March 18,
2010 to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6924. A letter from the Director Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pollock for American Fisheries Act Catcher Vessels in the
Inshore Open Access Fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Management Area [Docket No.: 0810141351-9087-02]
(RIN: 0648-XU30) received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on
Natural Resources.
6925. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program;
Emergency Rule [Docket No.: 100106010-0074-01] (RIN: 0648-
AY52) received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6926. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka
Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management
Area [Docket No.: 0810141351-9087-02] (RIN: 0648-XU22)
received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6927. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish
Fishery; Data Collection for the Trawl Rationalization
Program [Docket No.: 0907281183-91427-02] (RIN: 0648-AX98)
received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6928. A letter from the Assistant Administrator for
Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South
Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Amendment
29 Supplement [Docket No.: 090206140-91414-04] (RIN: 0648-
AX39) received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6929. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area [Docket
No.: 0810141351-9087-02] (RIN: 0648-XU36) received March 18,
2010 to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6930. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Pelagic Fisheries;
Vessel Identification Requirements; Correction [Docket No.:
090218199-91223-02] (RIN: 0648-AX38) received March 17, 2010
to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6931. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pacific Cod for American Fisheries Act Catcher-Processors
Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
Management Area [Docket No.: 0810141351-9087-02] (RIN: 0648-
XU52) received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6932. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific
Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Initial
Implementation of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries
Convention; Correction [Docket No.: 070717350-9936-02] (RIN:
0648-AV63) received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on
Natural Resources.
6933. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South
Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of
Mexico and South Atlantic; Closure [Docket No.: 001005281-
0369-02] (RIN: 0648-XU33) received March 18, 2010 to the
Committee on Natural Resources.
6934. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Trawl Limited Access Fishery
in the C. opilio Bycatch Limitation Zone of the Bering Sea
and Aleutian Islands Management Area [Docket No.: 0810141351-
9087-02] (RIN: 0648-XU34) received March 18, 2010 to the
Committee on Natural Resources.
6935. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; Final 2009 and 2010 Harvest
Specifications for Groundfish; Correction [Docket No.:
0810141351-0040-03] (RIN: 0648-XL28) received March 18, 2010
to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6936. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Reporting
Requirement for Midwater Trawl Vessels Fishing in Closed Area
I [Docket No.: 0907281181-0040-03] (RIN: 0648-AX93) received
March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6937. A letter from the Director Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South
Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of
Mexico and South Atlantic; Trip Limit Reduction [Docket No.:
001005281-0369-02] (RIN: 0648-XU24) received March 18, 2010
to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6938. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pacific Cod by Vessels Catching Pacific Cod for Processing by
the Inshore Component in the Central Regulatory Area of the
Gulf of Alaska [Docket No.: 09100091344-9056-02] (RIN: 0648-
XU20) received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6939. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer
Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer [Docket No.: 0908191244-
91427-02] (RIN: 0648-XT93) received March 18, 2010 to the
Committee on Natural Resources.

[[Page 5357]]

6940. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Atka
Mackerel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management
Area [Docket No.: 0810141351-9087-02] (RIN: 0648-XU11)
received March 18, 2010 to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
6941. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South
Atlantic; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of
Mexico and South Atlantic; Closure [Docket No.: 001005281-
0369-02] (RIN: 0648-XU12) received March 18, 2010 to the
Committee on Natural Resources.
6942. A letter from the Acting Director, Office of
Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, transmitting the Administration's final rule
-- Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska;
Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 60
Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Pot Gear in the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area [Docket No.:
0810141351-9087-02] (RIN: 0648-XU15) received March 17, 2010
to the Committee on Natural Resources.
6943. A letter from the Staff Director, Commission on Civil
Rights, transmitting a copy of the charter of the Nevada
State Advisory Committee to the Commission on Civil Rights to
the Committee on the Judiciary.
6944. A letter from the Staff Director, Commission on Civil
Rights, transmitting notification that the Commission
recently appointed members to the Missouri Advisory Committee
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
6945. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Administrator,
Office of Diversion Control, Department of Justice,
transmitting the Department's final rule -- Registration
Requirements for Importers and Manufacturers of Prescription
Drug Products Containing Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, or
Phenylpropanolamine [Docket No.: DEA-294F] (RIN: 1117-AB09)
received March 5, 2010 to the Committee on the Judiciary.
6946. A letter from the Chairman, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Annual Submission of Tax Information for use in the Revenue
Shortfall Allocation Method received [STB Ex Parte No. 682]
received March 19, 2010 to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure.
6947. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19
(Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-
2010-0178; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-039-AD; Amendment
39-16224; AD 2010-05-14] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 17,
2010 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
6948. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, DHC-8-
103, DHC-8-106, DHC-8-201, and DHC-8-202 Series Airplanes
[Docket No.: FAA-2009-0609; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-
037-AD; Amendment 39-16222; AD 2010-05-12] (RIN: 2120-AA64)
March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
6949. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-100,
747-200B, 747-300, and 747SR Series Airplanes [Docket No.:
FAA-2008-0376; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-322-AD;
Amendment 39-16221; AD 2010-05-11] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received
March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
6950. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Relief for U.S. Military and Civilian Personnel Who are
Assigned Outside the United States in Support of U.S. Armed
Forces Operations [Docket No.: FAA-2009-0923; Special Federal
Aviation Regulation No. 100-2] (RIN: 2120-AJ54) received
March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
6951. A letter from the FMCSA Regulatory Ombudsman,
Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's
final rule -- Safety Requirements for Operators of Small
Passenger-Carrying Commercial Motor Vehicles Used in
Interstate Commerce [Docket No.: FMCSA-2009-0127] (RIN: 2126-
AA98) received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6952. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 30713;
Amdt. No. 486] received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6953. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Aircraft Noise Certification Documents for International
Operations [Docket No.: FAA-2008-1097; Amendment No. 91-312]
(RIN: 2120-AJ31) received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6954. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Raytheon Aircraft Company)
Model B300 and B300C Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2009-1180;
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-060-AD; Amendment 39-16220; AD
2010-05-10] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 17, 2010 to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
6955. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Lima, OH [Docket No.: FAA-
2009-0929; Airspace Docket No. 09-AGL-32] received March 17,
2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A) to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6956. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Stamford, TX [Docket No.: FAA-
2009-0876; Airspace Docket No. 09-ASW-24] recevied March 17,
2010 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
6957. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Llano, TX [Docket No.: FAA-
2009-0858; Airspace Docket No. 09-ASW-22] received March 17,
2010 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
6958. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Revocation of Class D and E Airspace; Brunswick, ME [Docekt
No.: FAA-2009-0981; Airspace Docket No.: 09-ANE-105] received
March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
6959. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Establishment of Class E Airspace; Langdon, ND [Docket No.:
FAA-2009-0535; Airspace Docket No. 09-AGL-11] received March
17, 2010 to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
6960. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft LTD. Model PC-12/
47E Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2009-1158; Directorate
Identifier 2009-CE-063-AD; Amendment 39-16211; AD 2010-05-02]
(RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6961. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model
MD-90-30 Airplaces [Docket No.: FAA-2009-0783; Directorate
Identifier 2009-NM-081-AD; Amendment 39-16213; AD 2010-05-04]
(RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6962. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model Cl-600-1A11
(CL-600), CL-600-2A12 (CL-601), and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A,
CL-601-3R, and CL-604) Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2009-1021;
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-054-AD; Amendment 39-16217; AD
2009-06-05 R1] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 17, 2010 to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
6963. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; BAE SYSTEMS (Operations) Limited
Model ATP Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2010-0130; Directorate
Identifier 2009-NM-087-AD; Amendment 39-16214; AD 2010-05-05]
(RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6964. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport
Regional Model ATR42 and ATR72 Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-
2010-0155; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-026-ADl Amendment
39-16210; AD 2010-05-01] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 17,
2010 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
6965. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-541 and -642
Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2010-0128; Directorate Identifier
2009-NM-136-AD; Amendment 39-16215; AD 2010-05-06] (RIN:
2120-AA64) received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6966. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-200 and A340-300
Series Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2010-0131; Directorate
Identifier 2009-

[[Page 5358]]

NM-132-AD; Amendment 39-16216; AD 2010-05-07] (RIN: 2120-
AA64) received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6967. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums
and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
[Docket No.: 30712; Amdt. No. 3363] received March 17, 2010
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
6968. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums
and Obstacle Departures; Miscellaneous Amendments [Docket
No.: 30711; Amdt. No. 3362] received March 17, 2010 to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
6969. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Propellers Models R354/4-123-
F/13, R354/4-123-F/20, R375/4-123-F/21, R389/4-123-F/25,
R389/4-123-F/26, and R390/4-123-F/27 Propellers [Docket No.:
FAA-2008-0545; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-16-AD;
Amendment 39-16219; AD 2010-05-09] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received
March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
6970. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Seaway Regulations and Rules Periodic Update, Various
Categories [Docket No.: SLSDC-2010-0001] (RIN: 2135-AA30)
received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure.
6971. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -
200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes [Docket
No.: FAA-2009-0452; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-326-AD;
Amendment 39-16223; AD 2010-05-13] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received
March 17, 2010 to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
6972. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica
S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 190-100 LR, -100 IGW, -100 STD, -200
STD, -200 LR, and -200 IGW Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2009-
0418; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-020-AD; Amendment 39-
16201; AD 2010-04-08] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 18,
2010 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
6973. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-100,
747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-
300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP Series
Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2009-0718; Directorate Identifier
2009-NM-025-AD; Amendment 39-16212; AD 2010-05-03] (RIN:
2120-AA64) received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6974. A letter from the Paralegal Specialist, Department of
Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-100
and DHC-8-200 Series Airplanes, and Model DHC-8-301, -311,
and -315 Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2009-0712; Directorate
Identifier 2009-NM-152-AD; Amendment 39-16205; AD 2010-04-12]
(RIN: 2120-AA64) received March 17, 2010 to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
6975. A letter from the Federal Regulatory Officer,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule -- Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers (RIN:
0551-AA80) received March 19, 2010 to the Committee on Ways
and Means.
6976. A letter from the Chief, Trade and Commercial
Regulations Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule -- Extension of
Import Restrictions Imposed on Certain Categories of
Archaeological Material from the Pre-Hispanic Cultures of the
Republic of El Salvador [CBP Dec.: 10-01] (RIN: 1505-AC23)
received March 3, 2010 to the Committee on Ways and Means.
6977. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations
Branch, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's
final rule -- Chile Earthquake Occurring in February 2010
Designated as a Qualified Disaster Under Section 139 of the
Internal Revenue Code [Notice 2010-26] received March 16,
2010 to the Committee on Ways and Means.
6978. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations
Branch, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's
final rule -- Deemed Dispositions by Individuals Emigrating
from Canada (Rev. Proc. 2010-19) received March 16, 2010 to
the Committee on Ways and Means.
6979. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations
Branch, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's
final rule -- Update for Weighted Average Interest Rates,
Yield Curves, and Segment Rates [Notice 2010-24] received
March 16, 2010 to the Committee on Ways and Means.
6980. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations
Branch, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's
final rule -- James R. Thompson v. United States Court of
Federal Claims No. 06-211 T [IRB No.: 2009-22] received March
17, 2010 to the Committee on Ways and Means.
6981. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations
Branch, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's
final rule -- Qualified School Construction Bond Allocations
for 2010 [Notice 2010-17] received March 19, 2010 to the
Committee on Ways and Means.
6982. A letter from the Chief, Publications and
Regualtions, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the
Service's final rule -- Reduced 2009 Estimated Income Tax
Payments for Individuals with Small Business Income [TD 9480]
(RIN: 1545-BI89) received March 3, 2010 to the Committee on
Ways and Means.
6983. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations
Branch, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's
final rule -- Qualified Research Expenses-Extraordinary
Expenditures for Utilities (UIL 41.51-01) received March 19,
2010 to the Committee on Ways and Means.
6984. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations
Branch, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's
final rule -- Examination of returns and claims for refund,
credit, or abatement determination of correct tax liability
(Rev. Proc. 2010-20) received March 19, 2010 to the Committee
on Ways and Means.
6985. A letter from the Chief, Publications and
Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the
Service's final rule -- Determination of Issue Price in the
Case of Certain Debt Instruments Issued for Property (Rev.
Rul. 2010-11) received March 19, 2010 to the Committee on
Ways and Means.
6986. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations
Branch, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the Service's
final rule -- Interim Guidance on Measurement of Continuity
of Interest in Reorganizations [Notice 2010-25] received
March 19, 2010 to the Committee on Ways and Means.
6987. A letter from the Chief, Publications and
Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the
Service's final rule -- 2010 Calander Year Resident
Population Estimates [Notice 2010-21] received March 22, 2010
to the Committee on Ways and Means.
6988. A letter from the Chief, Publications and
Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the
Service's final rule -- Tier II Issue -- Non-Performing Loans
Directive #1 [LMSB Control No: LMSB-4-0110-003] received
March 22, 2010 to the Committee on Ways and Means.
6989. A letter from the Chief, Publications and
Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, transmitting the
Service's final rule -- Determination of Housing Cost Amounts
Eligible for Exclusion or Deduction for 2010 [Notice 2010-27]
received March 22, 2010 to the Committee on Ways and Means.
6990. A letter from the Chief, Trade and Commercial
Regualtions Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule -- Name Change of
Two DHS Components [CBP Dec. 10-13] received March 10, 2010
to the Committee on Homeland Security.
6991. A letter from the Chief, Trade and Commercial
Regulations Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule -- Prohibitions and
Conditions for Importation of Burmese and Non-Burmese Covered
Articles of Jadeite, Rubies, and Articles of Jewerly
Containing Jadeite or Rubies [CBP Dec. 10-04] (RIN: 1505-
AC06) received March 18, 2010 jointly to the Committees on
Foreign Affairs and Ways and Means.
6992. A letter from the Secretary, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting proposal to implement the
settlement of a case involvbing claims of alleged
discrimination jointly to the Committees on the Judiciary and
Agriculture.
6993. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Economic Development
Administration, Department of Commerce, transmitting the
Department's final rule -- Revisions to the EDA Regulations
[Docket No.: 080213181-91417-02] (RIN: 0610-AA64) received
March 17, 2010 jointly to the Committees on Transportation
and Infrastructure and Financial Services.
6994. A letter from the Administrator, FEMA, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1871-DR
for the State of North Carolina jointly to the Committees on
Transportation and Infrastructure, Appropriations, and
Homeland Security.

____________________

REPORTS ON COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of committees were delivered to
the Clerk for printing and reference to the proper calendar, as
follows:

Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure. H.R. 1174. A bill to establish the Federal
Emergency Management Agency as a cabinet-level independent
agency in the executive branch, and for other purposes; with
an amendment (Rept. 111-459, Pt. 1). Ordered to be printed.
Mr. OBERSTAR: Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure. House Resolution

[[Page 5359]]

197. Resolution to commend the American Sail Training
Association for its advancement of character building under
sail and for its advancement of international goodwill; with
an amendment (Rept. 111-460, Pt. 1). Referred to the House
Calendar and ordered to be printed.
Mr. WAXMAN: Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 1258. A
bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit
manipulation of caller identification information, and for
other purposes; with amendments (Rept. 111-461). Referred to
the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union.
Mr. WAXMAN: Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3125. A
bill to require an inventory of radio spectrum bands managed
by the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration and the Federal Communications Commission;
with an amendment (Rept. 111-462). Referred to the Committee
of the Whole House on the State of the Union.

Discharge of Committee

Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the Committee on Foreign Affairs
discharged from further consideration. House Resolution 197 referred to
the House Calendar and ordered to be printed.

____________________

TIME LIMITATION OF REFERRED BILL

Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XII the following action was taken by
the Speaker:

[The following action occurred on March 26, 2010]

H.R. 2989. Referral to the Committee on Ways and Means
extended for a period ending not later than April 30, 2010.

[The following action occurred on April 13, 2010]

H.R. 1174. Referral to the Committee on Homeland Security
extended for a period ending not later than September 30,
2010.

____________________

PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

Under clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions of the
following titles were introduced and severally referred, as follows:

By Mr. WAMP:
H.R. 4992. A bill to require employers of first responders
to pay for certain judgments against, and other costs
incurred by, those first responders that arise out of their
conduct in the course of official duty; to the Committee on
Education and Labor.
By Ms. SCHWARTZ (for herself, Mrs. Capps, Mrs. McCarthy
of New York, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Shea-Porter, Mr. Braley
of Iowa, Mr. Courtney, Ms. Harman, Mr. Farr, Mr.
Blumenauer, Mr. Garamendi, Ms. Watson, Ms.
Schakowsky, Ms. Pingree of Maine, Mrs. Dahlkemper,
Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Perlmutter, Ms. DeLauro, and Mr.
DeFazio):
H.R. 4993. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social
Security Act to ensure more timely access to home health
services for Medicare beneficiaries under the Medicare
Program; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition
to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia (for himself, Mr. Levin, Mr.
Rangel, Mr. Stark, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Neal of
Massachusetts, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Larson of
Connecticut, Mr. Kind, Mr. Pascrell, Ms. Berkley, Mr.
Crowley, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Meek of Florida, Ms.
Schwartz, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Ms. Linda T. Sanchez
of California, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Yarmuth, and Mr.
Becerra):
H.R. 4994. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 to reduce taxpayer burdens and enhance taxpayer
protections, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways
and Means, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within
the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. PAUL:
H.R. 4995. A bill to restore the American people's freedom
to choose the health insurance that best meets their
individual needs by repealing the mandate that all Americans
obtain government-approved health insurance; to the Committee
on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on
Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of
such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
committee concerned.
By Ms. FOXX (for herself, Mr. McClintock, Mrs. McMorris
Rodgers, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Franks of Arizona, Mr.
Broun of Georgia, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mr. Chaffetz,
Mr. Rohrabacher, Mr. Garrett of New Jersey, Mr.
Flake, Mrs. Lummis, and Mr. Duncan):
H.R. 4996. A bill to provide for congressional approval of
national monuments and restrictions on the use of national
monuments; to the Committee on Natural Resources.
By Mr. LIPINSKI:
H.R. 4997. A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal
years 2011 through 2015 for the National Science Foundation,
and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science and
Technology.
By Mr. HILL:
H.R. 4998. A bill to establish and to expand partnerships
that promote innovation and increase the economic and social
impact of research by developing tools and resources to
connect new scientific discoveries to practical uses; to the
Committee on Science and Technology.
By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey (for himself, Mr. Pitts,
Mr. Posey, and Mr. Duncan):
H.R. 4999. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 to repeal the mandate that individuals purchase health
insurance; to the Committee on Ways and Means.
By Mr. ANDREWS:
H.R. 5000. A bill to amend the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 to ensure health care coverage value and
transparency for dental benefits under group health plans; to
the Committee on Education and Labor.
By Mr. BACA:
H.R. 5001. A bill to amend title II of the Social Security
Act to provide that an individual's entitlement to any
benefit thereunder shall continue through the month of his or
her death (without affecting any other person's entitlement
to benefits for that month) and that such individual's
benefit shall be payable for such month only to the extent
proportionate to the number of days in such month preceding
the date of such individual's death; to the Committee on Ways
and Means.
By Mr. BURTON of Indiana:
H.R. 5002. A bill to end the cycle of illegal immigration
in the United States and withdraw Federal funds from States
and political subdivisions of States that interfere with the
enforcement of Federal immigration law; to the Committee on
the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland
Security, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period
to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case
for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mrs. CAPITO:
H.R. 5003. A bill to increase the loan guarantee fee for
rural housing loans guaranteed under section 502(h) of the
Housing Act of 1949; to the Committee on Financial Services.
By Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia:
H.R. 5004. A bill to amend section 1004 of title 39, United
States Code, to include that it is a policy of the Postal
Service to ensure reasonable and sustainable workloads and
schedules for supervisory and management employees and to
clarify provisions relating to consultation and changes or
terminations in certain proposals; to the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform.
By Mr. GRIFFITH (for himself, Mr. Inglis, Mr. Jones,
Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mr. Souder, Mr. Olson, Ms.
Jenkins, Mrs. Bachmann, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mr.
Tiahrt, Mr. King of Iowa, Mr. Wamp, Mr. Broun of
Georgia, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Gohmert, Mr. Bonner, Mr.
Gary G. Miller of California, Mr. Aderholt, and Mr.
Duncan):
H.R. 5005. A bill to repeal the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means,
Education and Labor, the Judiciary, Natural Resources, House
Administration, Appropriations, and Rules, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. HASTINGS of Florida (for himself, Mr. Conyers,
Mr. Meek of Florida, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, Mr. Towns, Ms.
Corrine Brown of Florida, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Clarke,
Mr. Rangel, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Ms. Watson, Ms.
Fudge, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Lewis of Georgia,
Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Norton, Ms.
Richardson, Mr. Rush, Mr. Sablan, and Mr. Cao):
H.R. 5006. A bill to require the President to call a White
House Conference on Haiti; to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each
case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. LANGEVIN (for himself and Mr. Kennedy):
H.R. 5007. A bill to authorize the Administrator of the
Small Business Administration to make grants to assist small
business concerns located in areas affected by a major
disaster and high unemployment, and for other purposes; to
the Committee on Small Business.

[[Page 5360]]

By Ms. MARKEY of Colorado (for herself, Mr. Baca, Mr.
Berry, Mr. Boren, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Bright, Mr. Childers,
Mr. Cooper, Mr. Davis of Tennessee, Ms. Giffords, Ms.
Herseth Sandlin, Mr. Hill, Mr. Kratovil, Mr.
Marshall, Mr. Matheson, Mr. McIntyre, Mr. Melancon,
Mr. Minnick, Mr. Murphy of New York, Mr. Nye, Mr.
Ross, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Schrader, Mr. Shuler, Mr.
Space, Mr. Tanner, and Mr. Wilson of Ohio):
H.R. 5008. A bill to amend the Congressional Budget Act of
1974 to require annual progress toward meeting fiscally
responsible 5- and 10-year deficit and debt targets; to the
Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on the
Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as
fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. MATHESON:
H.R. 5009. A bill to designate certain lands in the Wasatch
Mountains of Salt Lake County, Utah, as wilderness, and for
other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources.
By Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin:
H.R. 5010. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to
require that not less than 10 percent of the amounts made
available for certain high-speed rail projects be expended
through small business concerns owned and controlled by
socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and for
other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Small
Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as
fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. OWENS:
H.R. 5011. A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to
support State and tribal government efforts to encourage
owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch, and
forest land containing maple trees to make their land
available for access by the public for maple-tapping
activities under programs administered by States and tribal
governments; to the Committee on Agriculture.
By Ms. TITUS:
H.R. 5012. A bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National
School Lunch to establish a weekend and holiday feeding
program to provide nutritious food to at-risk school children
on weekends and during extended school holidays during the
school year; to the Committee on Education and Labor.
By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN (for herself, Mr. Klein of Florida,
Mr. Boehner, Mr. Moore of Kansas, Mr. Cantor, Mr.
Towns, Mr. Pence, Mr. Rothman of New Jersey, Mr.
Burton of Indiana, Mr. Peters, Mr. Hoekstra, Ms.
Corrine Brown of Florida, Mr. King of New York, Mr.
Himes, Mr. McKeon, Mr. Adler of New Jersey, Mr.
Wilson of South Carolina, Mr. Patrick J. Murphy of
Pennsylvania, Mr. Garrett of New Jersey, Ms.
Richardson, Mr. Price of Georgia, Mr. Ellsworth, Mr.
Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, and Ms. Wasserman
Schultz):
H. Con. Res. 260. Concurrent resolution recognizing the
62nd anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel,
and reaffirming unequivocal support for the alliance and
friendship between the United States and Israel; to the
Committee on Foreign Affairs.
By Mr. RAHALL (for himself, Mr. Mollohan, Mrs. Capito,
Mr. George Miller of California, and Ms. Woolsey):
H. Res. 1236. A resolution honoring the coal miners who
perished in the Upper Big Branch Mine-South in Raleigh
County, West Virginia, extending condolences to their
families and recognizing the valiant efforts of emergency
response workers at the mine disaster; to the Committee on
Education and Labor.
By Mr. BOREN (for himself, Mr. Cole, Mr. Rahall, Ms.
Fallin, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Lucas, Ms.
Richardson, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Honda, Ms. Herseth
Sandlin, Mr. Moran of Virginia, and Mr. Baca):
H. Res. 1237. A resolution honoring the life of Wilma Pearl
Mankiller and expressing condolences of the House of
Representatives on her passing; to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
By Mr. HASTINGS of Washington (for himself and Mr.
Bishop of Utah):
H. Res. 1238. A resolution directing the Secretary of the
Interior to transmit to the House of Representatives certain
information relating to the Secretary's Treasured Landscape
Initiative, designation of National Monuments, and high
priority land-rationalization efforts; to the Committee on
Natural Resources.
By Mr. COURTNEY (for himself, Mr. Larson of
Connecticut, Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Himes, Mr. Murphy of
Connecticut, Mr. Meeks of New York, Ms. Norton, Mr.
Putnam, and Mr. Sestak):
H. Res. 1239. A resolution commending the University of
Connecticut Huskies for their historic win in the 2010 NCAA
Division I Women's Basketball Tournament; to the Committee on
Education and Labor.
By Ms. DeLauro (for herself, Mr. Ehlers, Ms. Eddie
Bernice Johnson of Texas, Ms. Matsui, Mr. Platts, Mr.
McDermott, Mr. Courtney, Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Norton, Mr.
Price of North Carolina, Mr. Sires, Mr. Loebsack, Mr.
Larson of Connecticut, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Ryan of
Ohio, and Ms. Slaughter):
H. Res. 1240. A resolution supporting the goals and ideals
of Global Youth Service Day; to the Committee on Education
and Labor.
By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey:
H. Res. 1241. A resolution supporting the right of Israel
to defend itself against terrorists and the Israeli
construction of new security fences along the border of
Egypt; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
By Mr. PRICE of North Carolina (for himself, Mr. Jones,
Mr. Kissell, Mrs. Myrick, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Lipinski,
Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Capuano, Mr. Coble, Mr. Shuler, Mr.
Connolly of Virginia, Mr. Watt, Mr. Etheridge, Mr.
Walden, Mr. McHenry, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Olson, Mr.
Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Butterfield, Ms. Linda T. Sanchez
of California, Ms. Foxx, Mr. Inglis, Mr. McIntyre,
Mr. Miller of North Carolina, Ms. Matsui, Mr. Rahall,
Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Holden, and Mr. Hoyer):
H. Res. 1242. A resolution congratulating the Duke
University men's basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA
Division I Men's Basketball National Championship; to the
Committee on Education and Labor.
By Mr. QUIGLEY:
H. Res. 1243. A resolution expressing sympathy for the
people of the Republic of Poland in the aftermath of the
devastating plane crash that killed the country's President,
First Lady, and 94 other high ranking government, military,
and civic leaders on April 10, 2010; to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs.
By Mr. RODRIGUEZ (for himself, Mr. Michaud, Mr.
Lipinski, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. McDermott, and Mr.
Capuano):
H. Res. 1244. A resolution recognizing the National
Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition for its now five-year
effort to promote cyber security curriculum in institutions
of higher learning; to the Committee on Education and Labor.
By Mr. TIAHRT:
H. Res. 1245. A resolution expressing the sense of the
House of Representatives that the Value Added Tax is a
massive tax increase that will cripple families on fixed
income and only further push back America's economic
recovery; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

____________________

MEMORIALS

Under clause 4 of rule XXII, memorials were presented and referred as
follows:

250. The SPEAKER presented a memorial of the Legislature of
the State of Virgin Islands, relative to Resolution No. 1734
urging the United States Congress to enact Employee Free
Choice Act, pursuant to; to the Committee on Education and
Labor.
251. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of the State of
Virgin Islands, relative to Resolution No. 1742 urging the
Congress to make St. Croix a National Heritage Area; to the
Committee on Natural Resources.
252. Also, a memorial of the Senate of the State of
Washington, relative to Senate Joint Memorial 8026
memorilizing that the Interstate Commission for Adult
Offender Supervision immediately initiate its emergency rule-
making process; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

____________________

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors were added to public bills and
resolutions as follows:

H.R. 197: Mr. Royce, Mr. Brady of Texas, and Mr.
Thornberry.
H.R. 208: Mr. Johnson of Georgia and Mr. Rogers of
Michigan.
H.R. 211: Mr. Polis, Mr. Himes, Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Neal of
Massachusetts, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Salazar, Mr. Coble, Ms.
Granger, and Mr. Hoekstra.
H.R. 223: Mr. Garamendi.
H.R. 235: Mr. Teague and Mr. Meeks of New York.
H.R. 272: Mr. Coble.
H.R. 275: Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, and
Ms. Baldwin.
H.R. 413: Mr. Pastor of Arizona, Mrs. Halvorson, Mr. Burton
of Indiana, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Ellison, and Mr. Hill.
H.R. 422: Ms. Richardson, Mr. Arcuri, Mrs. Blackburn, and
Mr. Chaffetz.
H.R. 442: Mr. Royce, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mr. Kratovil, Mr.
Brady of Texas, and Mr. Thornberry.
H.R. 444: Mrs. Maloney.
H.R. 476: Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania, Mr. Kucinich, and Mr.
Ryan of Ohio.
H.R. 537: Mr. Costa.
H.R. 544: Mr. Kingston.
H.R. 635: Ms. Watson.

[[Page 5361]]

H.R. 667: Ms. Shea-Porter.
H.R. 690: Mr. Kingston, Ms. Herseth Sandlin, and Mr.
Cuellar.
H.R. 704: Mr. Ackerman.
H.R. 707: Mr. Pallone.
H.R. 723: Ms. Sutton.
H.R. 745: Ms. Woolsey.
H.R. 832: Mr. McDermott.
H.R. 878: Mr. Wamp.
H.R. 914: Mr. Forbes.
H.R. 930: Mr. Pitts.
H.R. 943: Mr. Forbes.
H.R. 978: Mr. LaTourette.
H.R. 1032: Mr. Tiahrt.
H.R. 1067: Mr. Wamp.
H.R. 1074: Mr. Royce, Mr. Brady of Texas, and Mr.
Thornberry.
H.R. 1137: Ms. Norton.
H.R. 1177: Mr. Honda, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Kissell, and Mr.
Wittman.
H.R. 1191: Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California.
H.R. 1210: Mr. Tiahrt, Mr. Inslee, Mr. Capuano, and Mr.
Kissell.
H.R. 1229: Mr. Wamp.
H.R. 1310: Mr. Adler of New Jersey and Mr. Lynch.
H.R. 1311: Mr. Jones.
H.R. 1403: Mr. Forbes.
H.R. 1458: Mr. McKeon and Mr. Michaud.
H.R. 1483: Mr. Blumenauer.
H.R. 1521: Mr. Hunter.
H.R. 1547: Mr. Johnson of Georgia and Mr. Simpson.
H.R. 1549: Ms. Richardson.
H.R. 1578: Mr. Ryan of Ohio.
H.R. 1587: Mr. Boswell.
H.R. 1588: Mrs. Bachmann.
H.R. 1625: Mr. Higgins, Mr. Schiff, Ms. Lee of California,
Mr. Royce, and Ms. Titus.
H.R. 1806: Mrs. Halvorson.
H.R. 1818: Mr. Walz, Mr. Costello, and Mr. Fortenberry.
H.R. 1831: Mr. Heller.
H.R. 1835: Mr. Sessions.
H.R. 1956: Mr. Blumenauer.
H.R. 2067: Ms. Sutton, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richardson, and Mr.
Lewis of Georgia.
H.R. 2110: Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas.
H.R. 2135: Mr. Tiahrt.
H.R. 2136: Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Forbes.
H.R. 2149: Mr. Garamendi, Mr. Sablan, Mr. Nadler of New
York, and Mr. Sires.
H.R. 2156: Mr. Pastor of Arizona.
H.R. 2255: Mr. Forbes.
H.R. 2262: Ms. Berkley and Mr. Hinchey.
H.R. 2305: Mr. Wamp.
H.R. 2324: Mr. Doyle, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. Berman.
H.R. 2373: Mr. Tiahrt, Mr. Peters, and Ms. Herseth Sandlin.
H.R. 2378: Mr. Welch, Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania, Mr.
Duncan, and Mr. Patrick J. Murphy of Pennsylvania.
H.R. 2381: Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Kucinich, and Ms.
Chu.
H.R. 2406: Mr. Wamp.
H.R. 2433: Mr. Platts.
H.R. 2472: Mr. Taylor.
H.R. 2478: Mr. Walz, Mr. Teague, Mr. Aderholt, Mr. Shuster,
Mr. Langevin, and Mr. Davis of Tennessee.
H.R. 2485: Mr. Michaud.
H.R. 2553: Mr. Jones.
H.R. 2555: Mr. Davis of Illinois.
H.R. 2672: Mr. Gerlach.
H.R. 2817: Mr. Johnson of Georgia.
H.R. 2850: Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California, Ms. Norton, and
Mr. Connolly of Virginia.
H.R. 2866: Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and Mr. Ehlers.
H.R. 2900: Mr. Burton of Indiana.
H.R. 2906: Mr. Nye.
H.R. 3012: Mr. Ellsworth.
H.R. 3017: Mr. Maffei.
H.R. 3059: Ms. Bordallo.
H.R. 3077: Mr. Ryan of Ohio and Ms. Richardson.
H.R. 3099: Mrs. Halvorson.
H.R. 3116: Mr. Holden, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, and
Mr. Barrow.
H.R. 3125: Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mrs. Blackburn, and Mr.
Scott of Georgia.
H.R. 3164: Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California.
H.R. 3186: Mr. Hall of New York, Mr. Stark, Mr. Rahall, Ms.
Shea-Porter, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Ms. Woolsey, and Mr.
Heinrich.
H.R. 3202: Mr. Moran of Virginia and Mr. Sires.
H.R. 3243: Ms. Shea-Porter.
H.R. 3266: Mr. Moran of Virginia.
H.R. 3286: Mr. Boren, Mr. Peters, Mr. Garamendi, and Mr.
Gutierrez.
H.R. 3287: Mr. Carnahan.
H.R. 3315: Mr. Carnahan and Mr. Hinchey.
H.R. 3335: Mr. Towns.
H.R. 3380: Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Wamp, Mr. Blumenauer,
Mr. Hare, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Conyers, and Mr. Rooney.
H.R. 3400: Mr. Smith of New Jersey and Mr. Radanovich.
H.R. 3407: Mr. Hall of New York.
H.R. 3454: Mr. Bachus.
H.R. 3487: Mr. McGovern, Ms. Norton, and Mr. Sires.
H.R. 3488: Mrs. Lowey.
H.R. 3491: Mr. Holt.
H.R. 3512: Mr. Rooney.
H.R. 3636: Mr. Costa.
H.R. 3652: Mr. Matheson, Mr. Smith of Washington, Ms.
Fudge, Mr. Hill, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania,
Mr. Nye, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Capuano, Mrs. Myrick, and
Ms. Ros-Lehtinen.
H.R. 3653: Mr. Israel.
H.R. 3655: Mr. Mollohan.
H.R. 3668: Mrs. Lummis, Mr. Tiberi, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Smith
of Washington, and Mr. Patrick J. Murphy of Pennsylvania.
H.R. 3715: Mr. Gutierrez and Mr. Grijalva.
H.R. 3720: Mr. Duncan, Mr. McIntyre, and Mr. Peterson.
H.R. 3731: Mr. Serrano.
H.R. 3734: Mr. Carnahan.
H.R. 3745: Mr. Baird.
H.R. 3757: Mr. Connolly of Virginia.
H.R. 3790: Mr. Matheson, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Hall of New
York, Mr. Davis of Alabama, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Carter, Mr.
Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Holden, Mr. Castle, Mr. Tiahrt, Mr.
Sestak, Mr. Carnahan, Mr. Crowley, and Mr. Bachus.
H.R. 3931: Mr. Shadegg.
H.R. 3939: Mrs. Davis of California.
H.R. 3943: Mrs. McCarthy of New York and Mr. Rahall.
H.R. 3990: Mr. Ryan of Ohio.
H.R. 3995: Ms. Norton, Mr. Grijalva, and Ms. Watson.
H.R. 4000: Mr. Hastings of Florida, Mr. Hare, and Mr. Meeks
of New York.
H.R. 4004: Mr. Rangel.
H.R. 4021: Mr. Pastor of Arizona and Mr. George Miller of
California.
H.R. 4037: Mr. Etheridge and Mr. Carnahan.
H.R. 4054: Mr. Castle and Mr. Carnahan.
H.R. 4091: Mr. Hall of New York.
H.R. 4107: Mr. Paul, Ms. Foxx, and Mr. Burton of Indiana.
H.R. 4109: Mr. Gutierrez, Ms. Richardson, and Mr. Baca.
H.R. 4116: Mr. Costa, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mrs.
Napolitano, Ms. Chu, and Ms. Granger.
H.R. 4149: Mr. Pomeroy.
H.R. 4195: Ms. Woolsey, Mr. Stark, Ms. Lee of California,
Ms. McCollum, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. McGovern, and Mr. Payne.
H.R. 4197: Mr. Delahunt.
H.R. 4223: Mr. Boucher.
H.R. 4239: Ms. Shea-Porter.
H.R. 4241: Mr. McIntyre and Mr. Lee of New York.
H.R. 4256: Ms. Schwartz, Mr. Etheridge, Mr. Boustany, and
Mr. Pascrell.
H.R. 4274: Ms. Kilroy.
H.R. 4278: Mr. Holden, Mr. Etheridge, Mr. Thompson of
California, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Mr. Bartlett, Ms. Schwartz,
Mr. Wamp, Mr. Yarmuth, and Mr. Castle.
H.R. 4286: Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas.
H.R. 4302: Mr. Peterson, Mr. Peters, Mr. Holden, Mr.
Delahunt, Mr. Rothman of New Jersey, Mr. Wilson of Ohio, Mr.
Matheson, Mr. Himes, Mr. Reyes, Mr. Sires, Mr. Lipinski, and
Mr. Carnahan.
H.R. 4306: Mr. Moran of Kansas, Mr. Mack, and Mr. Welch.
H.R. 4322: Ms. Richardson, Ms. Baldwin, and Ms. Fudge.
H.R. 4325: Ms. Richardson and Ms. Woolsey.
H.R. 4347: Mr. Kildee.
H.R. 4378: Mr. Moran of Virginia.
H.R. 4386: Mr. Langevin.
H.R. 4391: Mr. Quigley.
H.R. 4400: Mr. Stupak and Mr. Davis of Tennessee.
H.R. 4402: Mr. Cohen, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Price of North
Carolina, and Mr. Owens.
H.R. 4443: Mr. Murphy of New York and Ms. Jackson Lee of
Texas.
H.R. 4486: Mr. Johnson of Georgia and Ms. Giffords.
H.R. 4525: Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mr. Wittman, and Mr.
Marshall.
H.R. 4530: Ms. Richardson, Mr. Clay, Mr. Pallone, and Ms.
Watson.
H.R. 4538: Ms. Sutton.
H.R. 4541: Mr. Kildee and Mr. Berman.
H.R. 4543: Ms. Pelosi.
H.R. 4568: Mr. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania.
H.R. 4580: Ms. Norton, Mr. Pascrell, and Ms. Richardson.
H.R. 4594: Ms. Berkley, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Hinchey, Mr.
Garamendi, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Stark, Mr. George Miller of
California, Mr. Sestak, and Ms. Speier.
H.R. 4598: Mr. Hill and Mr. Carney.
H.R. 4601: Mr. DeFazio, Ms. Shea-Porter, Mr. Connolly of
Virginia, Mr. Welch, and Ms. Norton.
H.R. 4616: Mr. Nadler of New York, Mr. Rush, Mr. Hinchey,
Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Ms. Corrine Brown of Florida, Mr.
Sires, Mr. Cao, and Mr. Meeks of New York.
H.R. 4640: Mr. Forbes and Ms. Kilroy.
H.R. 4649: Ms. Corrine Brown of Florida, Mr. Cao, Mr.
Lance, Mr. Gerlach, Mr. Mack, Mrs. McMorris Rodgers, Mr.
Bilirakis, Mr. Schock, Mr. Moran of Kansas, Mrs. Miller of
Michigan, Mr. Blunt, Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Linder, Mr.
Fortenberry, Mrs. Myrick, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Pence,
Mr. Burgess, Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. Thornberry, Mr. Olson, Mr.
Kagen, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Ellsworth, Mr. McCotter, Mr. Coffman
of Colorado, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Young of Alaska, Mrs. Bachmann,
and Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida.
H.R. 4662: Mr. Honda, Mr. Coble, Mr. Frank of
Massachusetts, and Mr. Hoekstra.
H.R. 4677: Mrs. Capps, Mr. Berman, Ms. Wasserman Schultz,
Mr. Pastor of Arizona, Ms. McCollum, and Mr. Carnahan.
H.R. 4678: Mr. Holden, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Speier,
Mr. Filner, Ms. Fudge, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Carney, and Mr.
Sires.
H.R. 4689: Mr. Boren, Mr. Israel, Mr. LoBiondo, Mr.
Garamendi, Ms. Norton, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr.
Cohen, Mr. Roe of Tennessee, and Mr. Carnahan.

[[Page 5362]]

H.R. 4693: Mr. McMahon, Mr. Wilson of Ohio, Mr. Meek of
Florida, and Mr. Lujan.
H.R. 4697: Mr. Scott of Virginia.
H.R. 4701: Ms. Kilroy.
H.R. 4709: Mr. Lynch, Mr. Boucher, and Mr. Capuano.
H.R. 4710: Mr. Ross.
H.R. 4711: Mr. Delahunt, Mr. Rothman of New Jersey, Mr.
Bishop of New York, and Mr. Polis.
H.R. 4722: Ms. Norton, Mr. Welch, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Cleaver,
Mr. Braley of Iowa, Mr. Hinchey, and Mr. Pastor of Arizona.
H.R. 4732: Mr. Hall of New York.
H.R. 4733: Mr. Ackerman and Ms. Lee of California.
H.R. 4734: Ms. Berkley, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Filner, Mr. Conyers,
Ms. Kilroy, Ms. Kilpatrick of Michigan, Mr. Courtney, Mr.
Brady of Pennsylvania, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Grijalva, Ms.
Richardson, and Ms. Norton.
H.R. 4748: Mrs. Dahlkemper.
H.R. 4755: Ms. McCollum, Mr. Peters, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, and
Mr. Kucinich.
H.R. 4796: Mr. Sires, Mr. Courtney, Mr. Moore of Kansas,
and Mr. Braley of Iowa.
H.R. 4800: Mr. Johnson of Georgia and Ms. Moore of
Wisconsin.
H.R. 4806: Mr. Jackson of Illinois and Ms. Norton.
H.R. 4812: Mr. Doyle, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Scott of Georgia,
Mr. Sestak, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Israel,
Mr. Engel, Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Kagen, Mr. Carnahan, Mr. Meek of
Florida, Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California, Mr. Pascrell, Mr.
Rodriguez, Mrs. Lowey, Mrs. Capps, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms.
Kaptur, Ms. Shea-Porter, Mrs. McCarthy of New York, Mr. Gene
Green of Texas, and Mr. Wilson of Ohio.
H.R. 4830: Ms. Roybal-Allard.
H.R. 4842: Ms. Richardson, Mr. Lujan, Mr. Al Green of
Texas, and Mr. Pascrell.
H.R. 4844: Mr. Brown of South Carolina, Ms. Richardson, and
Mr. McCaul.
H.R. 4869: Ms. Norton, Mr. Cleaver, and Ms. Jackson Lee of
Texas.
H.R. 4870: Mr. Berman, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Baca, and Mr.
Scott of Virginia.
H.R. 4876: Mr. Kind, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Ms. Sutton, Mr.
Kirk, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Lee of New York, and Mr. Ehlers.
H.R. 4883: Mr. Hensarling.
H.R. 4886: Mr. Ackerman and Mr. Smith of New Jersey.
H.R. 4890: Mr. Filner.
H.R. 4894: Mr. Souder, Mr. Jones, Mr. McCarthy of
California, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Issa, Mr. Lee of New York, Mr.
Thompson of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Myrick, and Ms. Ginny Brown-
Waite of Florida.
H.R. 4896: Mrs. Bachmann.
H.R. 4901: Mr. Souder, Mrs. Bachmann, Mr. McClintock, Mr.
Pitts, Mrs. Miller of Michigan, and Mr. Simpson.
H.R. 4903: Mr. Moran of Kansas, Mr. Upton, Mrs. Miller of
Michigan, Mr. Young of Florida, Mr. Mack, Mr. Pitts, Mr.
Radanovich, and Mrs. Schmidt.
H.R. 4904: Mr. Tiahrt, Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas, Mr.
Souder, Mr. Kingston, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Burton of Indiana, Mr.
Wilson of South Carolina, and Mr. Burgess.
H.R. 4908: Mr. Holt and Mrs. Christensen.
H.R. 4909: Mr. Paulsen.
H.R. 4920: Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, Ms. Moore of
Wisconsin, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Lewis of Georgia,
Ms. Fudge, Ms. Kaptur, Ms. Castor of Florida, Mr. Sires, Ms.
Clarke, Ms. Kilpatrick of Michigan, Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Conyers,
Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Ellison, Mr. Grijalva, and Mr. Serrano.
H.R. 4923: Mr. Farr, Mrs. Davis of California, Mr. Spratt,
Ms. Kilpatrick of Michigan, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Connolly of
Virginia, Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, Mr. Rahall, Ms. Markey of
Colorado, Ms. Tsongas, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Baca, Mr.
Langevin, Mr. Edwards of Texas, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Hall of New
York, Mr. Gordon of Tennessee, Ms. Pingree of Maine, Mr.
Larsen of Washington, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Snyder, Mr. Murphy of
Connecticut, and Mr. Ross.
H.R. 4925: Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Ms. Lee of
California, Ms. Norton, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Tonko, Mr.
Carnahan, and Mrs. Davis of California.
H.R. 4934: Mr. Bishop of Utah.
H.R. 4947: Mr. Sablan, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, Mr.
Boswell, Mr. Braley of Iowa, Mr. Courtney, and Mr. Pomeroy.
H.R. 4951: Mr. Walden, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Upton, Mr. McCaul,
Mr. Inglis, Mr. Kline of Minnesota, and Mr. Burton of
Indiana.
H.R. 4958: Mr. Ortiz, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Clay, Mr. Connolly
of Virginia, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, and Mr. Carnahan.
H.R. 4959: Mr. Blumenauer and Mr. Engel.
H.R. 4961: Ms. Corrine Brown of Florida, Mr. Rush, Ms.
Jackson Lee of Texas, Mr. Rangel, and Ms. Kilpatrick of
Michigan.
H.R. 4972: Mr. McClintock, Mr. Poe of Texas, Mr. Pitts, and
Mrs. Miller of Michigan.
H.R. 4982: Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Forbes, and Mr. Wittman.
H.R. 4990: Mr. Conyers.
H.J. Res. 1: Ms. Markey of Colorado.
H.J. Res. 11: Mr. McCotter.
H.J. Res. 63: Mr. Inglis.
H.J. Res. 67: Mr. Inglis.
H.J. Res. 76: Mr. Ortiz.
H.J. Res. 77: Mr. Putnam, Mr. Lee of New York, Mr.
Campbell, Mr. Cole, Mr. Schock, and Mr. Kingston.
H. Con. Res. 94: Ms. Norton and Mr. Walz.
H. Con. Res. 200: Mr. Holt.
H. Con. Res. 230: Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Platts.
H. Con. Res. 232: Mr. Shuler.
H. Con. Res. 241: Mr. Boozman, Mr. Cantor, Mr. Thompson of
Pennsylvania, Mr. Platts, Mr. Davis of Kentucky, Mr. Wamp,
Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Gallegly, Mr. McKeon, Mr. Wilson
of South Carolina, Mr. Bilbray, Mr. Boren, Mr. Shimkus, Mr.
Kingston, Mr. Carter, Mrs. Bono Mack, Mr. Brown of South
Carolina, Mr. Sullivan, Ms. Fallin, Mr. Nunes, Mr. Smith of
Nebraska, Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Price of Georgia, Mr. Roskam, Mr.
Walden, Mr. Schock, and Mr. Delahunt.
H. Con. Res. 252: Mr. Pierluisi and Mr. Hare.
H. Con. Res. 258: Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas.
H. Res. 173: Mr. Latham, Ms. Titus, Mr. Hinchey, Mr.
Cardoza, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Berman, Mr. Salazar, Ms.
Waters, Mr. Boren, Ms. Speier, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms.
Richardson, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Davis of Tennessee, Mr.
Westmoreland, Mr. Carney, Ms. Sutton, Mr. Boozman, Mr.
Shuler, and Mr. Braley of Iowa.
H. Res. 200: Mr. Sires.
H. Res. 213: Ms. Roybal-Allard and Mr. Johnson of Georgia.
H. Res. 375: Mr. Walz, Ms. Norton, Ms. DeLauro, Ms. Corrine
Brown of Florida, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Ms. Speier, Mr. Davis of
Illinois, Ms. Fudge, Mr. Ellison, Mr. DeFazio, Ms. Baldwin,
Mr. Conyers, and Ms. Woolsey.
H. Res. 394: Mr. Wamp.
H. Res. 443: Mr. Hodes.
H. Res. 763: Mr. Sensenbrenner.
H. Res. 767: Mrs. Napolitano and Mr. Connolly of Virginia.
H. Res. 855: Mr. Souder, Mr. Cantor, Mr. Ortiz, Mrs. Davis
of California, Mr. Hoekstra, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Walz, Ms.
Norton, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Courtney, Mr. Rooney, Mr.
LoBiondo, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mr. Foster, Mrs.
McMorris Rodgers, Mr. Moran of Kansas, Mr. Cooper, and Mr.
Buyer.
H. Res. 898: Mr. Hall of New York.
H. Res. 919: Ms. Norton.
H. Res. 928: Mr. Sires, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. McCollum, and Mr.
Ryan of Ohio.
H. Res. 992: Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. Scott of Georgia, Mr.
Crowley, and Mr. Burton of Indiana.
H. Res. 996: Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Braley of Iowa, Ms. Lee of
California, Mr. Driehaus, Mr. Matheson, Ms. Kaptur, Mr.
Serrano, Mr. Barrow, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Dingell, Ms.
Harman, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Thompson of California, Ms.
Schakowsky, and Mrs. Capps.
H. Res. 1006: Mr. Culberson.
H. Res. 1019: Mr. Platts, Mr. Shuster, and Mr. Maffei.
H. Res. 1033: Mr. Roe of Tennessee, Mr. Loebsack, Mr. Wamp,
Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Shimkus, Mr. Rogers of Michigan, Mr.
McMahon, and Mr. Boozman.
H. Res. 1104: Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Schock, and Mr. McCaul.
H. Res. 1106: Mr. Cleaver and Mr. Ryan of Ohio.
H. Res. 1121: Mr. Roe of Tennessee.
H. Res. 1132: Mr. Carney, Mr. Childers, Mr. Hunter, Ms.
Loretta Sanchez of California, Mr. Sestak, and Mr. Wu.
H. Res. 1138: Mr. Conyers and Mr. Hodes.
H. Res. 1153: Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mr. Nadler of New York,
Mr. Space, Mr. Wittman, Mr. Boucher, Mr. Sablan, Ms. Norton,
Mr. Pierluisi, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Mrs.
Christensen, Mr. McClintock, Mr. Hinchey, Ms. DeGette, Mr.
DeFazio, Mr. Wilson of Ohio, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mr.
Lamborn, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Brady of
Pennsylvania, Ms. Corrine Brown of Florida, Mr. Young of
Alaska, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Inslee, Mr. Holden, Ms. Richardson,
Mr. Sires, Mr. Carney, Mr. Hall of New York, Mr. Walz, Mr.
Shuler, Mr. Cao, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Arcuri, and Mr. Buchanan.
H. Res. 1161: Mr. Sires, Mr. Boucher, Mr. Cao, and Ms.
Hirono.
H. Res. 1166: Mr. Murphy of New York.
H. Res. 1187: Mr. Alexander, Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Filner, Mr.
Grijalva, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Reyes, Mr.
Nadler of New York, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Walz, Mr. Larson of
Connecticut, Mrs. Maloney, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Berkley, Ms. Shea-
Porter, Mr. Blumenauer, and Mr. Scott of Georgia.
H. Res. 1196: Mr. Smith of Nebraska, Mr. Conaway, Ms.
Markey of Colorado, Mr. Nunes, Mr. Neugebauer, Mr. Bishop of
Georgia, Mr. Simpson, Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Putnam, Mr. Pomeroy,
Mr. Linder, Mr. Olson, and Mr. Fortenberry.
H. Res. 1206: Ms. Giffords, Mrs. McMorris Rodgers, Mr.
Blunt, Mr. Lamborn, and Mr. Perriello.
H. Res. 1211: Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Lewis of
California, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Norton, Mr. Cao,
and Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas.
H. Res. 1224: Mr. Garamendi, Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, and
Ms. Baldwin.
H. Res. 1229: Mr. Coble, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Sablan, Ms.
Lee of California, Mr. Bartlett, and Mr. Harper.
H. Res. 1230: Mr. Tiahrt, Mr. Jordan of Ohio, Mr. Souder,
Mr. Paul, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Goodlatte, Mr. Hall of Texas, and
Mr. Carter.

[[Page 5363]]

____________________

CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIMITED TAX BENEFITS, OR LIMITED TARIFF
BENEFITS

Under clause 9 of rule XXI, lists or statements on congressional
earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits were
submitted as follows:

The Amendment to be offered by Mr. Oberstar of Minnesota,
or his designee, to H.R. 4715, the ``Clean Estuaries Act of
2010'', does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited
tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause
9 of rule XXI.

____________________

DELETION OF SPONSORS FROM PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors were deleted from public bills
and resolutions as follows:

H.R. 413: Mr. Wamp.

____________________

PETITIONS, ETC.

Under clause 1 of rule XXII, petitions and papers were laid on the
clerk's desk and referred as follows:

112. The SPEAKER presented a petition of City of North
Miami Beach, Florida, relative to Resolution No. R2010-12
urging the Florida State Legislature to pass legislation to
advocate for and encourage governmental entities to go
``green''; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
113. Also, a petition of Wilton Manors, Island City,
Florida, relative to Resolution No. 3518 supporting The
Broward League of Cities 2010 State Legislative Action Plan;
to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
114. Also, a petition of Wilton Manors, Island City,
Florida, relative to Resolution No. 3520 urging the repeal of
Chapter 2009-125, Laws of Florida; to the Committee on House
Administration.
115. Also, a petition of City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida,
relative to Resolution No. 10-55 expressing the City's
opposition to permitting offshore oil drilling within the
waters of the State of Florida; to the Committee on Natural
Resources.
116. Also, a petition of Wilton Manors, Island City,
Florida, relative to Resolution No. 3522 urging the
Legislature of Flordia to support SB 1354; to the Committee
on the Judiciary.
117. Also, a petition of The Legislature of Rockland
County, New York, relative to Resolution No. 86 urging the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide additional
financial aid to school districts facing an influx of Haitian
refugees, Haitian immigrants, and Haitian-Americans returning
to the U.S. because of the recent earthquake; jointly to the
Committees on the Judiciary and Education and Labor.

[[Page 5364]]

EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS
____________________

HONORING MS. DIANE LAWSON

______

HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

of new york

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years
of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Ms. Diane
Lawson. Ms. Lawson served her constituency faithfully and justly during
her tenure as the Ripley Town Assessor.
Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with
a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Lawson
served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the
entire way. I have no doubt that her kind demeanor left a lasting
impression on the people of Chautauqua County.
We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to
make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms.
Lawson is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise in
tribute to her today.

____________________

A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL KELLER

______

HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

of new york

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Michael
Keller and his tremendous impact on the community.
Mr. Keller has been an important part of the Brooklyn community in
many ways. Through his participation at the YMCA, Mr. Keller has
strengthened our community and reminded us of the importance of
investing in our youth. Mr. Keller has been a part of the YMCA since
1977 when he volunteered in a youth swim program. Since then, his roles
have included Day Camp Director, Program Director, Membership Director
and for the last 14 years, Executive Director of the East Orange (NJ)
YMCA, Flatbush YMCA and later the Long Island City YMCA.
When he isn't spending time at the Y, Mike volunteers his time in
other youth related programs and activities. He is a coach in the Gioia
YMCA baseball and basketball leagues, and has served as an Assistant
Scoutmaster for his local Boy Scout Troop. Additionally, Mike is
currently a member of the Queensborough Rotary Club and has served as
president of a number of Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs as well as other
community organizations. Mike is a native of the Bronx and has a BA in
English from Brooklyn College. He resides in Harlem with his wife, four
children and grandson.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Michael
Keller.

____________________

HONORING NELSON SMOTHERMAN ON A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

______

HON. BART GORDON

of tennessee

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nelson
Smotherman, who is retiring after 60 years as a sports statistician in
middle Tennessee.
Nelson began keeping statistics for sports broadcasts in 1950. His
first broadcast was for a Murfreesboro Central football game for WGNS
radio. This March, Nelson worked his 4,000th game.
He has been called a legend and a walking encyclopedia, whose
remarkable mind for sports statistics and 60 years of experience in the
field have made him a pillar of our State's athletic programs.
Nelson's institutional memory has been an invaluable asset for the
athletes of middle Tennessee. In his time in the booth, Nelson
witnessed the integration of high school sports teams. He saw women's
basketball shift from a 6-on-6 half-court game to 5-on-5 full-court
play. He had a chance to work with some 50 different broadcasters. He
maintains basketball records that go back to when the game was new, and
has kept stats at State tournaments in four different sports. Nelson
has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Tennessee Secondary
School Athletic Association and has a softball field named in his honor
in Murfreesboro.
Nelson's impact on the lives of young people in our community reaches
well beyond the broadcast booth. He has served as Sunday School
Secretary at the First Presbyterian Church in Murfreesboro for more
than 50 years, and he continues to help coach the Oakland High School
girls' softball team.
Nelson, your involvement in middle Tennessee sports will be missed,
but I wish you all the best. I hope you enjoy a long and happy
retirement.

____________________

HONORING BRYAN JOHN KUNZE

______

HON. SAM GRAVES

of missouri

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Bryan John
Kunze of Fayette, Missouri, who is retiring this year after serving 24
years as Police Chief; the longest service in the history of the city
of Fayette.
Mr. Kunze is a lifelong resident of Fayette, Missouri, graduating
from Fayette High School in 1976. He went on to graduate from the
University of Missouri Law Enforcement Training Institute and the FBI
Law Enforcement Executive Development Course. He has completed more
than 3,000 hours of law enforcement training throughout his prestigious
career.
Mr. Kunze has also vigorously served his community by going above and
beyond his responsibilities as a deputy and as Police Chief. He has
been an active volunteer fireman for the Fayette and Howard County
rural fire department for more than 32 years; four of which he served
as Fire Chief. Mr. Kunze was instrumental in spearheading the 911
Committee which established the emergency procedure for his county. In
addition, he was also appointed to the 911 board several times.
Furthermore, he has maintained active service and memberships in the
Missouri Police Chiefs Association, the Missouri Federation of Police
Chiefs, the International Association of Police Chiefs, and the Mid-
Missouri Major Case Squad. He also serves the community as a deacon in
his home church and current President of the Fayette City Cemetery.
Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Bryan John
Kunze, who not only fulfilled his duties of service and leadership to
his county and surrounding communities, but also set the bar for
deputies and police chiefs across the nation. It is my privilege to
represent such a deserving individual in the United States Congress.

____________________

HONORING MRS. MARY FOLEY REILLY

______

HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Mary Foley
Reilly of Spring Lake, New Jersey. Mrs. Reilly will be honored as the
2010 Citizen of the Year by the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce
at a celebration on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Her reception of this
prestigious honor is well-deserved in light of her contributions to the
retail business community in Spring Lake and the greater Monmouth
County area.
Mrs. Reilly owns and operates The Irish Centre, a destination store
at the Jersey Shore that has specialized in the sales of Irish
merchandise for the past thirty years. The Irish Centre, now located at
two separate locations in the Irish-dominated town of Spring Lake, is
known for dealing in high end, ``heirloom quality'' merchandise. As an
active entrepreneur, Mrs. Reilly hand selects much of the merchandise
in her store, and specializes in handmade, authentic Irish products.
Her achievement as a successful businesswoman brings great pride and
joy to Spring Lake Township and the State of New Jersey.
Mrs. Reilly has also made great strides in bringing our Irish-
American citizens closer to their ancestral homeland. Over the years
The

[[Page 5365]]

Irish Centre has sponsored concerts, lecture series, fine art shows,
and readings run by the finest Irish talent. Furthermore, Mrs. Reilly
has continuously supported and publicized numerous parades, festivals,
and fundraisers in promotion of Irish heritage. Her attempts to remain
connected with her ancestral homeland helps to preserve the Irish
heritage in our culturally diverse state and nation.
Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in
congratulating Mrs. Reilly for her reception of the 2010 Citizen of the
Year recognition, and also for her leadership and service to the Irish-
American community.

____________________

HONORING SHARON K. BARKER

______

HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

of pennsylvania

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
honor Sharon K. Barker and her unending commitment to our community.
Sharon Barker has been serving Bucks County for over 30 years and has
been a leader in our community, fighting for those who need our help
the most. Through her leadership and her volunteer involvement, she has
made fundamental contributions to the lives of women in Bucks County.
It's fitting that she will receive the Bucks County Women's History
Month Award.
Sharon is an inspiration to anyone who knows her, and continually
finds ways to improve the community around her. She is a role model and
a mentor. Her hard work and dedication are a testament to the great
State of Pennsylvania, and I am proud to say she calls the 8th District
home.
Currently, Sharon Barker is Senior Vice President of the United Way
of Bucks County, and still she finds time to bring together others
interested in serving their community. She has even established a
community service organization of knitters and crocheters who make and
donate crafts to other nonprofit organizations. She has worked
tirelessly for these causes, and deserves recognition for her
significant accomplishments, which improve the lives of those around
her.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize and to honor Sharon K. Barker
for her incredible service to our community, and am extremely honored
to serve as her Congressman.

____________________

HONORING THE LIFE OF JOSEPH F. SLAVIN

______

HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of Mr.
Joseph Slavin, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and
dedicated worker in the field of health care. Joseph was known for
standing up for public health and for the consumer in the community in
his effort to carry out and interpret good policies. Those who knew him
can attest that Joseph was one of those unique men who was able to
accomplish much, while maintaining perfect integrity and concern for
others.
Mr. Slavin was born and raised in Trenton, NJ as the son of Edward
and Anna M. Slavin. As an academic he graduated at Trenton Catholic
High School, earned an undergraduate degree at Villanova University, a
master's degree in public administration from Rutgers University and
was a graduate of Harvard University's Healthcare Leadership Program.
Joseph's work began as an administrator for the late Trenton mayor,
Arthur Holland, before embarking on a career in health care as an
administrator at Donnelly Memorial Hospital. He also worked in the New
Jersey Department of Health, served as executive director of the
Regional Health Planning Council in Newark, NJ, and was the vice
president of planning and regulatory affairs at the New Jersey Hospital
Association.
Joseph was the initial executive director of the Catholic Healthcare
Partnership of New Jersey and also served as director of planning for
St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center. Throughout his career he always
carried out professional matters with a fair and intelligent hand.
Joseph Slavin passed away at age 75 on February 11, 2010. He is
survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Katherine C. Slavin; four sons
and three daughters-in-law: Kevin and Wendy Slavin, of Hackettstown,
NJ; Tim Slavin and Ami Leaming of Dover, DE; Al Slavin and Catherine
Johnson, of Clarks Summit, PA, and Peter Slavin of Port Orange, FL.
Survivors also include 11 grandchildren, one great grandchild and 18
nieces and nephews.
Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Joseph's family
and friends, and me, in recognizing a great man, Joseph Slavin.

____________________

HONORING JEFFREY W. MEISENHEIMER

______

HON. SAM GRAVES

of missouri

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the
outstanding achievement of Jeffrey W. Meisenheimer of Lee's Summit,
Missouri. Jeffrey is the assistant principal of Lee's Summit High
School in Lee's Summit, Missouri, and has been nominated by the
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) as a
finalist for the 2010 NASSP/Vicro National Assistant Principal of the
Year. This prestigious nomination recognizes Jeffrey's ability to excel
in the ever-demanding role of assistant principal in all aspects of
education.
Madam Speaker, Jeffrey is a major contributing factor to the
collaborating leadership success at Lee's Summit High School by
promoting participation and teamwork through high-functioning teams.
Jeffrey's goal is to improve the educational environment for his
students through nurturing positive relationships and creating
individual plans for academically struggling students. Jeffrey is a
true asset to Lee's Summit School District with his commitment to
students, relationship building and long-range goals for students,
teachers, and Lee's Summit High School.
Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding Jeffrey W.
Meisenheimer's outstanding professionalism and commitment to educating
the American youth. I join with Jeffrey's colleagues, family, friends,
and students in congratulating Jeffrey on his outstanding achievement,
and wish him good luck in his future endeavors.

____________________

IN HONOR OF OCEAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 47TH ANNUAL GALA AWARD
WINNERS

______

HON. JOHN H. ADLER

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. ADLER of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and
congratulate this year's Ocean County Chamber of Commerce honorees, Mr.
and Mrs. Stephan and Judi Leone and The J. Phillip Citta Regional
Cancer Center at Community Medical Center.
Mr. and Mrs. Leone have rightfully earned this year's ``Distinguished
Citizens of the Year'' award. Mr. Stephan Leone co-founded the Toms
River law firm Carluccio, Leone, Dimon, Doyle, and Sacks and was
recently included in New Jersey Magazine's list of Super Lawyers. He
serves as a member of the Ocean County College Board of trustees, is
Director of the Toms River Business Improvement District, and has
served on the Nature Conservancy of New Jersey. Mrs. Judith Leone
serves as the vice Chair of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts,
and serves as a trustee for several organizations including the Garden
State Philharmonic, Ocean's Harbor House Foundation, and the Shelter,
Inc. She has earned several awards for her work with various community
organizations, and was named Ocean County College's Humanitarian of the
Year along with her husband.
Earning the honor of this year's ``Organization of the Year'' award
is The J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center at Community Medical
Center. As the leading provider of cancer services in the region, they
have provided the people of Ocean County with high quality care and
innovative programs in all areas of cancer prevention, detection, and
treatment.
The honorees will be recognized at the Ocean County Chamber of
Commerce's 47th annual gala on April 29, 2010 in Lakewood, NJ. In
recognition of their outstanding contributions and service to the
community, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. and
Mrs. Leone and the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center at Community
Medical Center.

[[Page 5366]]

____________________

ENHANCING COMPETITION IN HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETS

______

HON. GWEN MOORE

of wisconsin

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, with a large number of
concentrated health insurance markets across the country, it is
imperative that health care reform initiatives focus on enhancing
competition among insurers and providing American consumers with
affordable health care coverage. Many health insurance markets in the
United States appear to have one dominant insurer, and in many other
markets, the top two insurers serve most enrollees. According to the
American Medical Association, in 2007, at least one insurer had a
combined HMO/PPO market share of 50 percent or greater in 64 percent
(200) of the local markets (or Metropolitan Statistical Areas) of the
United States. And the two top insurers accounted for at least 60
percent of enrollment in almost 75 percent of these markets.
Moreover, it can be extremely difficult for new firms, even large
national health insurance firms, to enter these markets. A new health
insurer in an area will have difficulty attracting customers until a
large number of health care providers have signed up. But providers may
be reluctant to sign up at competitive rates without assurance that the
plan can offer a volume of patients. And both consumers and providers
may be skeptical of a new health plan with which they have little
experience.
As a recent Congressional Research Service report states: ``The
health insurance market has many features that can hinder markets, lead
to concentrated markets, and produce inefficient outcomes.'' Dominant
insurers may raise premiums or reduce quality of service. They may also
reduce or prevent innovations that could benefit consumers or engage in
exclusionary practices to make entry more difficult.
HHS or the Exchange Controller, therefore, must take steps to
encourage the entry of new, credible insurance companies and prevent
dominant insurers from hampering competition. This includes seeking the
advice and counsel of the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust
Division, regarding practices that may cause or continue undue market
concentration. This will be achieved in part by ensuring that the
antitrust laws remain intact through a savings clause, which was
included in both the House-passed and Senate-passed bills. However,
improving competition in health insurance markets requires a one-two
punch. It also must include seeking the advice and counsel of the U.S.
Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, regarding practices that may
cause or continue undue market concentration. More competitive health
insurance markets will generate significant benefits for American
consumers. It is the best way to ensure that all consumers, including
individuals who will now be required to purchase health insurance, will
be able to obtain quality care at affordable prices.

____________________

AMERICAN GATHERING OF JEWISH HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS

______

HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

of new york

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share a resolution
conveyed to Attorney General Eric Holder, from the American Gathering
of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Their Descendants in recognition of
the outstanding work of the Office of Special Investigations at the
United States Department of Justice.

Resolution of the Governing Board of the American Gathering of Jewish
Holocaust Survivors and Their Descendants

Whereas the American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust
Survivors and Their Descendants is the umbrella organization
of Holocaust survivor groups and Landsmannschaften in North
America, representing some 80,000 Holocaust survivors and
their family members;
Whereas the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) was
created in the Criminal Division of the United States
Department of Justice in 1979 in the wake of the shocking
public exposure by the then-Representative Elizabeth Holtzman
and others of decades of U.S. government inaction in the face
of the documented presence in the United States of numerous
perpetrators of Nazi crimes;
Whereas, most unconscionably of all, some of those Nazi war
criminals were brought to this country by U.S. government
agencies that were aware of the Nazi crimes that they had
committed;
Whereas OSI recently marked the 30th anniversary of its
establishment by Attorney General order;
Whereas, under the courageous and tenacious leadership of
Eli Rosenbaum and his predecessors, OSI has been, for the
past three decades, by far the most dedicated and successful
government agency in the world in tracking down,
investigating, prosecuting, and obtaining law enforcement
justice in cases of fugitive Nazi war criminals and has
accordingly won bipartisan praise from the Congress, awards
from Jewish organizations, and plaudits from the media;
Whereas OSI has won more court cases against Nazi criminals
than have authorities in all of the other governments of the
world combined during the period of OSI's thirty-year
existence;
Whereas OSI has prevailed in its crucial mission despite
(1) daunting investigative obstacles rarely if ever
encountered by other American prosecutors, (2) determined
efforts made over many years by former White House
Communications Director and later presidential candidate
Patrick Buchanan, then-Attorney General Edwin Meese, former
Rep. James Traficant, organizations of Nazi supporters, and
others to undermine, disable and even close that office, (3)
threats of violence directed at OSI personnel by Nazi
criminals' supporters, (4) the immoral and ongoing refusal of
European governments to accept the return of Nazi criminals
against whom OSI has won deportation orders in U.S. courts,
and (5) receiving funding that is but a tiny fraction of the
moneys allocated by the U.S. government to support
international efforts to prosecute a smaller number of
perpetrators of atrocity crimes in Rwanda and the former
Yugoslavia;
Whereas OSI launched the only law enforcement effort in
postwar world history to identify suspected Axis perpetrators
systematically in order both to identify them for
investigation and to prevent their entry as immigrants or
visitors, with the result that nearly 200 such persons have
been stopped and turned away at U.S. airports--a world-
leading program from which our government might learn much as
it struggles to identify terrorist and bar them from entering
this country;
Whereas the fruits of OSI's extensive efforts to assist
other nations in pursuing justice in the Nazi cases may be
seen around the world, including in the ongoing Munich trial
of former Nazi death camp guard John Demjanjuk;
Whereas OSI has done more than has any other component of
the federal government to restore the honor of the United
States government in the Nazi cases and to secure a measure
of law enforcement justice on behalf of the Holocaust's
victims;
Whereas OSI's efforts have also succeeded in obtaining a
great measure of historical and remunerative justice on
behalf of Holocaust victims and survivors, especially in (1)
conducting investigations and prosecutions involving
genocidal crimes committed in the former Soviet Union that
were previously little know in the West and whose
perpetrators had not previously been identified; (2) proving
and publicly disclosing the fact that Gestapo archcriminal
Klaus Barbie, Nazi V-2 program slave master Arthur Rudolph,
Eichmann cohort Otto Albrecht von Bolschwing, and other Nazi
war criminals were employed by U.S. intelligence and military
agencies after World War II and were assisted by those
agencies in escaping postwar justice; (3) proving, for the
first time, and in direct contradiction of more than half a
century of Swiss government denials, that looted gold, some
of it ripped from the mouths of murdered Jewish victims in
the Nazi camps, was melted down by the Reichsbank and traded
to the Swiss National Bank; (4) discovering that certain
artwork stolen by the Nazis from European Jews was in the
possession of the National Gallery of Art in Washington,
D.C.; (5) laboring indefatigably from 1999 to 2007 to locate,
declassify, and disclose to the public, despite the
opposition of some other federal agencies, fully eight
million pages of classified documents in the U.S. government
possession relating to Axis war crimes; (6) successfully
leading the U.S. government's effort, in conjunction with
Israeli and German authorities, to trace the fate of the
infamous Auschwitz selector and experimenter Dr. Josef
Mengele; and (7) undertaking a worldwide investigation that
confirmed the allegations first made by the World Jewish
Congress that former United Nations Secretary General Kurt
Waldheim took part in Nazi crimes against humanity and
persuading the Reagan Administration to bar him forever from
reentering the United States;
Whereas, as a result of the expansion of OSI's mission in
2004, the unit has also won acclaim for its efforts in
pursuit of justice on behalf of the victims of atrocities in
Rwanda, Bosnia and elsewhere, while it continues to
investigate and prosecute Nazi criminals;
Whereas the Department of Justice has announced that OSI is
soon to be merged with Criminal Division's Domestic Security
Section in order to consolidate the Justice Department's
human rights enforcement efforts:
Now therefore be it Resolved by the Governing Board of the
American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Their
Descendants, meeting in Washington, D.C., this 14th day of
February 2010, That the Governing Board:

[[Page 5367]]

(1) Praises and expresses deep gratitude for the matchless
dedication and unique accomplishments of the prosecutors,
historians, and other professional staff, both past and
present, of the Office of Special Investigations, and
especially its remarkable director, Eli Rosenbaum, who
devoted his storied career to bringing justice and hope to
Holocaust survivors, the families of those who perished in
the Shoah, and the families of the hundreds of thousands of
American soldiers, sailors, and airmen who gave their lives
in the historic battle to end the nightmare of Nazi
inhumanity;
(2) Expresses abiding gratitude to Eli Rosenbaum, the
longest-serving investigator and prosecutor of Nazi criminals
in postwar world history, for his courageous, tenacious, and
extraordinarily successful efforts, undertaken at great
personal sacrifice and risk, to pursue justice--and
historical truth--on behalf of those Jewish men, women and
children whose blessed memory was summoned by Israeli
Attorney General Gideon Hausner in his opening address in the
Eichmann case in Jerusalem when he declared that he did not
stand alone to present the case, because he was joined by
``six million accusers'' who ``cannot rise to their feet and
point their finger at the man in the dock and cry `J'accuse'
. . . for they are now only ashes--ashes piled high on the
hills of Aushchwitz and the fields of Treblinka and strewn in
the forests of Poland'';
(3) Thanks Eli Rosenbaum and his predecessor Neal Sher for
being among the first to expose and publicly refute the
Holocaust calumnies of Patrick Buchanan, long before such
criticism became a mainstream phenomenon;
(4) Considers OSI's landmark work to have been the key
post-Nuremberg American realization of the solemn commitment
to justice made to the Third Riech's surviving victims 55
years ago by former Attorney General and Supreme Court
Justice Robert H. Jackson when he first stood at the podium
before the judges of the International Military Tribunal;
(5) Deems the Justice Department's continued pursuit of
justice in the Nazi cases to be an undeniable moral
imperative notwithstanding the lateness of the date;
(6) Very strongly supports OSI's continuing efforts to
identify, investigate, and prosecute the perpetrators of Nazi
crimes and also postwar crimes against humanity;
(7) Calls on the Department of Justice to ensure that its
personnel will continue to leave no stone unturned in the
effort to pursue justice on behalf of the victims of Nazi
crimes; and
(8) Urges those nations of Europe that, despite having
provided the henchmen who massacred a third of the world's
Jews, continue to violate their moral obligation to accept
the return of Nazi criminals whom the United States seeks to
deport to observe that time is short in the Nazi cases and
therefore to desist at once from their obstructionist
conduct.

____________________

IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WILLINGBORO FIRE COMPANY AND
THE WILLINGBORO EMERGENCY SQUAD

______

HON. JOHN H. ADLER

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. ADLER of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, in my State of New Jersey, we
have a rich heritage of local fire companies and emergency responders
serving our communities, a tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.
I rise today to honor the Willingboro Volunteer Fire Company and the
Willingboro Emergency Squad, two separate organizations, which will be
jointly celebrating their 50th anniversary of service in 2010.
Originally founded in January 1960, the Willingboro Fire Company
began as a local VFW group recognized the need for a Fire Company in
the growing town. Throughout the past 50 years, the Fire Company has
grown substantially and become a vital institution serving the
Willingboro community. As the integration of Willingboro was taking
place in 1969, their Constitution was changed to reflect that race,
color, or creed would not affect the member's application to join the
Fire Company. They received their first minority fire fighter, Lt. Ray
Holden in 1970. Ever since, they began to receive regular applications
from minority residents who were fully integrated into the Company. As
the Willingboro community continued to grow, so did the Willingboro
Fire Company. As of 2005, there were 16 members of the Career Staff, 12
fire fighters, three captains, and a Chief.
The Willingboro Emergency Squad started as the Levittown Emergency
Squad in April 1960, after Mr. Charles Van Kirk, who recognized the
need for an ambulance service in the growing town, put an ad in the
paper for people interested in starting a local service. By 1975, they
had grown to more than 100 members strong to serve what had become one
of the largest suburban communities in South Jersey. Throughout the
years, the Willingboro Squad has been considered an innovator at the
forefront of changes in medical services in Burlington County. They
were one of the first squads in the area to embrace females and
minorities, not only as members, but as leaders as well. The
Willingboro Emergency Services squad continues to serve the community
with the high-quality, compassionate care that was established in 1960.
It is my privilege to share some of the history and hopefully some of
the spirit of the Willingboro Fire Company and Willingboro Emergency
Squad with my colleagues and with our fellow citizens today. We honor
their 50th anniversary, and the extraordinary commitment and service
they represent. Congratulations to all the officers, members and
friends of the Willingboro Fire Company and Willingboro Emergency Squad
again, with great respect and with thanks.

____________________

TRIBUTE TO ARLIS KINSETH-BODE

______

HON. TOM LATHAM

of iowa

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arlis Kinseth-
Bode for being the recipient of the Humboldt-Dakota City Chamber of
Commerce President's Award at the 2010 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.
The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and
honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the
benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the
accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the
value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on
community spirit.
Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Humboldt-Dakota City
Chamber of Commerce President's Award is presented to an individual or
group for their longtime achievement of community support or for a
superior effort on behalf of the community.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Arlis Kinseth-Bode in the
United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending
him for his sincere dedication to establishing a better community and
wish him continued success well into the future.

____________________

HONORING SHEILA JOHNSON

______

HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

of the district of columbia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of
Representatives to join me, as we celebrate Women's History Month, by
honoring Sheila Johnson, who has used her historic business
achievements in sports and entertainment to empower and energize
communities and people of all backgrounds, especially women, throughout
the United States and other parts of the world.
Sheila Johnson has been called ``a great American success story,''
and continues to be a history-maker and a special inspiration to girls
and women. She first made history as co-founder of the first African
American owned cable network, providing entertainment and news to a
primarily African American audience.
No woman in American history has simultaneously cracked open two
supercharged, male-dominated fields: sports ownership and
entertainment. Sheila Johnson is the first African American woman to
have ownership in three professional sports franchises: the Washington
Mystics, the Washington Wizards, and the Washington Capitals. She's the
first African American woman to purchase a major, luxury golf resort,
Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf and Spa Resort, which hosts the PGA
Tour's Transition Championships and the LPGA Legends Tour's Open
Championship.
Sheila Johnson also has been a leader in supporting great neglected
issues, many involving women. She was executive producer

[[Page 5368]]

of ``A Powerful Noise,'' a documentary that examines the lives of three
women living with HIV/AIDS in different parts of the world; ``She Is
the Matador,'' a movie depicting the history of women's challenges to
male-only bullfighting laws in Spain; and ``The Other City,'' about the
HIV/AIDS crisis in Washington, D.C. She invested in the film ``Kicking
It,'' a documentary that illuminated the Annual Homeless World Cup,
which attracts homeless men from around the world to raise awareness
and funds to end homelessness.
Sheila Johnson's life has also been about service and the arts. She
funded a $4 million CARE campaign to fight global poverty, focusing on
women, and was named a global ambassador for CARE. President Barack
Obama appointed her to serve on the President's Committee on the Arts
and Humanities.
Sheila Johnson has set a different course for young women of all
backgrounds in pursuit of excellence, through her living example. Madam
Speaker, I ask that the House of Representatives join me in honoring
Sheila Johnson.

____________________

COMMEMORATION OF THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF KATYN

______

HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

of florida

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate
the 70th anniversary of Katyn--a word that has come to symbolize the
brutal murder of over 20,000 Polish military officers and other
intellectual elite by Stalin's secret police in the spring of 1940 and
the subsequent lies told about this horrific crime. These men, and one
woman, were taken as prisoners by the Soviets in their undeclared war
against Poland that began a mere 17 days after the Nazis invaded Poland
and started World War II.
The tragic crash this past Saturday that took the lives of so many of
Poland's most senior leaders has focused worldwide attention on the
Katyn massacre, which has come to symbolize Stalin's brutal repression
of the Poles and others. People of goodwill everywhere extend the hand
of sympathy and friendship to the Polish people who once again have
suffered a great national tragedy, ironically in the very place where
one of the last century's most sordid deeds was carried out.
It is my hope that the victims--from President Lech Kaczynski and his
wife Maria to prominent leaders of the armed forces, the parliament,
other institutions, and relatives of those shot in 1940--will not have
died in vain, that this horrible crash will somehow give strength to
those in Poland who must go on and continue to lead their great nation,
a nation that has been a stalwart ally of the United States and a
beacon of freedom and prosperity in Eastern Europe.
I also hope that these sad events may in some way help bring Russia
and Poland a new and stronger relationship based on a shared history
and suffering and characterized by mutual respect and trust.
Further, I would like to express my admiration for the manner in
which Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin handled this disaster,
flying immediately to Smolensk, the site of the crash and taking
personal responsibility for the investigation. Mr. Putin acted
decisively, but more than that he reinforced the positive signals he
and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had given at their joint ceremony
in Katyn last Wednesday. No Russian Prime Minister--in fact no Russian
of Mr. Putin's stature and standing--had ever been to Katyn. Mr. Tusk
graciously expressed his appreciation to Mr. Putin by quoting the great
Russian writer, Alexander Solzhenitsyn: ``But let us not forget that
violence does not live alone and is not capable of living alone: it is
necessarily interwoven with falsehood. Between them lies the most
intimate, the deepest of natural bonds. Violence finds its only refuge
in falsehood, falsehood its only support in violence. Any man who has
once acclaimed violence as his method must inexorably choose falsehood
as his principle.''
I hope that Mr. Putin will also embrace these words in practical
ways, most importantly by assisting the Poles in finding still missing
information about those who were executed on Stalin's orders in 1940.

____________________

HONORING REVEREND RUFUS C. GOODMAN

______

HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Rufus C.
Goodman in recognition of his retirement as Pastor of Mt. Carmel
Baptist Church in Neptune, New Jersey. Reverend Goodman will be honored
by his parishioners, colleagues, and dear friends at his retirement
celebration on Friday, April 9, 2010. This celebration is well-deserved
in light of the Reverend's 49 years of service to Mt. Carmel and
Neptune Township.
As Pastor of Mt. Cannel Baptist Church, Reverend Goodman conveyed the
power of faith and hope to his parishioners through countless sermons
and counseling sessions. During this time period, the church witnessed
tremendous growth in membership and public service endeavors. With the
Reverend's support, the church developed the Community Room for worship
services, town meetings, and various social events. His tremendous
dedication to his followers has served to promote faith, peace, and
harmony throughout his community.
In addition to serving his parishioners, Reverend Goodman has made
lasting contributions to his local community. As president of the
Asbury Park-Neptune Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Reverend
Goodman oversaw the awarding of scholarship awards to graduating high
school students for their academic achievements. While serving as
secretary of the Neptune Township Welfare Board, Reverend Goodman
generously offered assistance to families in need of food, shelter, and
clothing. Furthermore, he provided counseling for unemployed parents
seeking employment to care for their families. During local riots in
the late 1960s and early 1970s, the courageous Reverend met with
participants to listen to their complaints and convey his words of
peace and harmony. Finally, Reverend Goodman was instrumental in the
development of the Motivational Center, a center that works with
various organizations to offer referral services, clean clothing,
showers, and meals for the poor and underprivileged. His years of work
with such community initiatives have had a profound impact on numerous
families across several generations.
Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in
congratulating Reverend Goodman on his retirement, and for his years of
dedicated leadership to the American people.

____________________

HONORING WILLIAM A. McKENTY

______

HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

of pennsylvania

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
honor William A. McKenty of Ottsville, Pennsylvania.
Mr. McKenty, who will be receiving the much-deserved ``Man of the
Year'' award from the Feasterville Business Association, has been an
integral part of our community and an outstanding businessman.
For 36 years, Mr. McKenty has worked in the industrial battery
industry, and for the last 13 years, Mr. McKenty has owned and operated
his own battery business in Trevose, Pennsylvania. He has been involved
in the shaping of our business community and has helped raise thousands
of dollars for local charities. He has been involved in Special People
in Northeast, and the Special Olympics. In addition, he has also been a
Little League and softball coach. William McKenty is an inspiration to
our community.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize and honor William A. McKenty
not only for being an upstanding businessman, but also for his
commitment to charity work and giving back to the community. I am
honored to serve as his Congressman.

____________________

TRIBUTE TO RON RASMUSSEN

______

HON. TOM LATHAM

of iowa

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ron Rasmussen
for being the recipient of the Youth Champion Award at the 2010
Humboldt County Spirit Awards.
The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and
honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the
benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the
accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the
value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on
community spirit.
Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Youth Champion Award is
presented to an

[[Page 5369]]

adult individual who has generously given time, talent and energy to
promote activities for youth in the community.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Ron Rasmussen in the United
States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending him
for his sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish
him continued success well into the future.

____________________

HONORING THE 3RD U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

______

HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK

of north carolina

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mrs. MYRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication
and service of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment of the United States
Army, also known as the Old Guard.
The oldest active duty infantry unit in the U.S. Army, the Old Guard
conducts all memorial affairs honoring fallen soldiers, escorts the
President at official events, and has the high honor of guarding the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
For 62 years this month, since April 6, 1948, the Old Guard has held
watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year, rain or shine. When they're not on guard, members of the 3rd
Infantry Regiment study the history of the Cemetery, clean weapons and
provide assistance to their fellow guardsmen going on or coming off
duty, also known as The Changing of the Guard, one of the most sacred
and awe-inspiring ceremonies within our military.
Madam Speaker, we owe thanks to all members of our armed services and
their families, who daily serve our country with honor and dignity. We
especially owe thanks to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard,
for their dedication and commitment to honoring those servicemembers
who are ``Known But To God.''

____________________

TRIBUTE TO MARTHA SCHMIDT

______

HON. TOM LATHAM

of iowa

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martha Schmidt
for being the recipient of the Inspiration Award at the 2010 Humboldt
County Spirit Awards.
The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and
honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the
benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the
accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the
value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on
community spirit.
Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Inspiration Award is
presented to an individual with a ``can do'' attitude who is involved
in all facets of the community both as a leader and team player.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Martha Schmidt in the United
States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending her
for her sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish
her continued success well into the future.

____________________

HONORING BRUCE STARKWEATHER FOR HIS CIVIC LEADERSHIP

______

HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

of california

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bruce
Starkweather as he retires as Chairman of Lionakis. For twenty-five
years Bruce has served the Sacramento community as a leading architect
and civic leader. As his friends, family and colleagues gather together
to pay tribute to his hard work and dedication, I ask my colleagues to
join me in honoring this truly inspirational individual.
In 1972, Bruce graduated from the University of Oregon, School of
Architecture. After graduation, he practiced architecture for five
years in Oregon before moving to California. He ran his own firm for
eight years in Auburn, and then accepted a position on March 15, 1985
with the prestigious Sacramento-based structural and design firm
Lionakis, Liske, Engberg and Beaumont, now known as Lionakis.
Bruce's contributions to the Sacramento community have not gone
unnoticed. He has received several awards and certificates over the
past twenty-five years for his exceptional achievements. Some of those
awards include: Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Sacramento
in recognition of his exceptional performance in the City of
Sacramento's General Plan Advisory Committee; the Sacramento Old City
Association Architectural Achievement Awards for his contributions to
the Sacramento River Water Intake Structure; the American Institute of
Architects (AIA) Presidential Citation in recognition of his efforts to
bring together the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Central
Valley Chapter and the City of Sacramento and many more. His impact on
Sacramento can been seen in many local buildings including the
Sacramento River Water Intake Structure, the Lionakis Office, Kaiser
Permanente Medical Office Building, Foothill Oaks Elementary School,
Lucy & Company Office Building and many, many others.
Bruce has a true civic mind and has been a leader who I am honored to
call my friend. His involvement in the Sacramento community is never-
ending outside of the office. He has served as the Board of Directors
of Valley Vision and the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce,
Principal-in-Charge of the Sacramento Water Intake Structure, as well
as Vice Chair of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) and the
Development Oversight Commission with the City of Sacramento.
Madam Speaker, as Bruce Starkweather, his wife DonnaLee and children
Fred, Jennifer, Stephen, and Ryan, along with his many friends and
colleagues gather to celebrate his retirement, I ask all my colleagues
to join me in saluting a truly remarkable individual.

____________________

TRIBUTE TO THE HUMBOLDT AREA ARTS COUNCIL

______

HON. TOM LATHAM

of iowa

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Humboldt
Area Arts Council for being the recipients of the Cooperation Award at
the 2010 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.
The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and
honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the
benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the
accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the
value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on
community spirit.
Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Cooperation Award is
presented to an organization or entity which led an effort or event
that benefited and filled a need in the community through volunteerism.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent the Humboldt Area Arts
Council in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join
me in commending them for their sincere dedication to establishing a
better community and wish them continued success well into the future.

____________________

HONORING THE UNITED STATES' WHEELCHAIR CURLING TEAM

______

HON. MICHAEL A. ARCURI

of new york

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise
today in honor of the United States' Wheelchair Curling Team's 4th
place finish at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, and the Sitrin Health
Care Center, an innovative regional provider of health and
rehabilitative services, which is located in my Congressional District
in Upstate New York.
In 2001, the Sitrin Health Care Center created the Sitrin STARS, an
adaptive sports program that provides individuals with physical
disabilities opportunities to engage in a variety of sports on a
recreational or competitive basis.
Every member of the United States' Curling Team is a Sitrin STARS
athlete, a true testament to the outstanding work and dedication of the
Sitrin staff.
I would also like to specifically thank Augusto ``Goose'' Perez,
James Pierce, James ``Jimmy Jam'' Joseph, Jacqueline Kapinowski and
Patrick McDonald. Through their sportsmanship, dignity and character
they proudly represented our country.
Madam Speaker, I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing the
United States' Wheelchair Curling Team, and the Sitrin Health Care
Center for defying the odds, and providing inspiration and hope to all
athletes with physical disabilities.

[[Page 5370]]

____________________

TRIBUTE TO THE GARGANO FAMILY

______

HON. TOM LATHAM

of iowa

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gargano
family for being the recipients of the Family Tradition Award at the
2010 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.
The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and
honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the
benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the
accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the
value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on
community spirit.
Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Family Tradition Award is
presented to a family who demonstrates support and devotion to the
community through volunteerism.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent the Gargano family in the
United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending
them for their sincere dedication to establishing a better community
and wish them continued success well into the future.

____________________

COMMEMORATING HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

______

HON. RUSS CARNAHAN

of missouri

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, on Sunday, April 11, 2010, the world
paused to remember the Holocaust, which took the lives of six million
Jews across Europe along with six million other victims of Nazi
persecution, devastated societies, destroyed families, and forever left
an unconscionable mark upon humanity.
Holocaust Remembrance Day is an opportunity to solemnly reflect upon
this historic tragedy and memorialize the millions of innocent lives
lost in the greatest campaign of terror the world has ever seen. It is
an opportunity to remember the atrocities of the past, but also a
chance to recall that we must never forget.
Holocaust Remembrance Day pays tribute to the unbreakable will of
human beings to live in freedom and oppose despotism wherever it
appears. It is a reminder of that pledge to never forget and never
allow the unchecked cruelty of the Holocaust to be repeated by firmly
recommitting ourselves to the fight against anti-Semitism, as well as
all forms of persecution, bigotry, discrimination and hatred.
In 1993, on the 50th Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, for
which Holocaust Remembrance Day was designated, then-Israeli Prime
Minister Yitzhak Rabin noted that despite the fall of Hitler ``his
successors have arisen in various corners of the world.'' Sadly this
statement remains true today.
In too many regions of the world today we are still witnessing
terrible mass violence, destruction and murder against women, children,
ethnic and religious minorities, and lesbian, gay and transgender
individuals, and many other groups of people. Reprehensibly, this
violence and hatred is too often deeply institutionalized.
Holocaust Remembrance Day serves as an opportunity to put on notice
the brutal regimes carrying out these crimes that our resolve to defend
universal human rights is profound and unwavering. As long as it is
necessary we will continue to fight to end intolerance and work toward
a more just future for all of mankind, and we stand with supreme
confidence that we will be triumphant.
The statesman and philosopher, Edmund Burke, famously said that ``The
only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing.'' Today we remember the Holocaust because many good men and
women stood up for justice and acted to stop Nazi cruelty, and their
sacrifice must forever be honored. We remember because the spirit of
humanity refused to succumb to evil and be dominated by hatred. And we
remember because in remembering the past we can work toward a better
future; a future of equality, freedom, peace and prosperity.

____________________

TRIBUTE TO M.D. PRODUCTS

______

HON. TOM LATHAM

of iowa

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize M.D. Products
for being the recipients of the Horizon Award at the 2010 Humboldt
County Spirit Awards.
The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and
honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the
benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the
accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the
value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on
community spirit.
Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Horizon Award is
presented to a business or entity that has brightened the county's
horizon through building improvements.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent M.D. Products in the United
States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending them
for their sincere dedication to establishing a better community and
wish them continued success well into the future.

____________________

CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-GREEN BAY WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
TEAM

______

HON. STEVE KAGEN

of wisconsin

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. KAGEN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment here to honor
the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay women's basketball team for their
historic at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. Now, this may not seem
like a big deal to folks from the big cities or from the East or West
Coast, but in northeast Wisconsin, we could not be prouder of our
Phoenix being the first team from the Horizon League to earn an NCAA
at-large bid. I want to commend Head Coach Matt Bollant and his team
for their remarkable achievement this year. They entered the tournament
with 27 wins and launch into the second round today after upsetting the
Virginia Cavaliers over the weekend. I also want to point out most of
Coach Bollant's team is homegrown in Wisconsin. For the lady Phoenix
players, most of them spent their lifetime growing up in northeast
Wisconsin. I want to thank the entire UWGB team for making Wisconsin
proud, and I wish them good luck tonight in their road to the Final
Four.
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay 2009-10 Roster: #4 Celeste
Hoewisch, Junior, Hortonville, WI; #10 Hannah Quilling, Sophomore, Eau
Claire, WI; #13 Adrian Ritchie, Freshman, De Pere, WI; #20 Sam Zastrow,
Freshman, Algoma, WI; #22 Lydia Bauer, Freshman, Lake Zurich, IL; #24
Heather Golden, Junior, De Pere, WI; #25 Jenny Gilbertson, Sophomore,
Wabasha, MN; #30 Katie Bushman, Sophomore, Phillips, WI; #32 Julie
Wojta, Sophomore, Mishicot, WI; #33 Morgan Faase, Junior, Green Bay,
WI; #42 Kayla Tetschlag, Junior, Sheboygan, WI; #43 Sarah Eichler,
Freshman, Grafton, WI; #45 Stephanie Sension, Freshman, Hopkins, MN;
#52 Breannah Ranger, Freshman, Skokie, IL.
Coaching Staff: Head Coach: Matt Bollant; Assistant Coaches: Mike
Divilbiss, Amanda Leonhard, Sarah Bronk; Director of Operations: Kari
Flunker.

____________________

TRIBUTE TO DEAN AND JUDY HARKLAU

______

HON. TOM LATHAM

of iowa

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dean and Judy
Harklau for being the recipients of the Good Neighbor Award at the 2010
Humboldt County Spirit Awards.
The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and
honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the
benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the
accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the
value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on
community spirit.
Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Good Neighbor Award is
presented to an individual who exemplifies true neighborhood spirit by
lending a helping hand in a time of need.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Dean and Judy Harklau in the
United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending
them for their sincere dedication to establishing a better community
and wish them continued success well into the future.

[[Page 5371]]

____________________

HONORING ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL

______

HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

of pennsylvania

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
honor St. Luke's Quakertown Hospital for receiving the 2010
Distinguished Community Service Award from the Bucks County Council,
Boy Scouts of America.
Madam Speaker, this worthy recognition was earned by St. Luke's for
its tremendous contribution to our community and the positive example
that service has set for the 13,000 young men and women served by
Scouting and Learning for Life programs in Bucks County.
The leadership exhibited by St. Luke's and its dedicated staff is
inspiring and truly sets the bar in their field. St. Luke's is one of
the premier health networks in the region, and the Quakertown facility
is the fastest growing hospital in Southeastern Pennsylvania, a
testament to the great work being done there.
St. Luke's is dedicated to providing the community with quality care.
By extending that mission beyond its walls through community days and
health and safety awareness programs, St. Luke's has shown it will stop
at nothing to ensure the health and well-being of the community.
This dedication to service is exactly what it means to be a Scout,
and as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts, it is
fitting that we recognize St. Luke's.
Madam Speaker, once again I would like to thank St. Luke's Quakertown
Hospital for its contribution to the community and especially to the
youth of Bucks County.

____________________

TRIBUTE TO MERLIN FORT

______

HON. TOM LATHAM

of iowa

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Merlin Fort for
being the recipient of the Neighborhood Restoration/Beautification
Award at the 2010 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.
The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and
honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the
benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the
accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the
value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on
community spirit.
Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Neighborhood Restoration/
Beautification is presented to an individual or group who has set an
example by improving, beautifying and restoring their neighborhood.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent Merlin Fort in the United
States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending him
for his sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish
him continued success well into the future.

____________________

HONORING MRS. SYLVIA YVONNE DRAKEFORD

______

HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the life
of Mrs. Sylvia Yvonne Drakeford. Mrs. Drakeford, a resident of
Englewood, New Jersey, passed away on March 6, 2010 after decades of
public service with the Englewood City Department of Education and
Department of Recreation.
During the past 30 years, Mrs. Drakeford served as the Playground
Supervisor for the Department of Recreation. As supervisor, she was
instrumental in restructuring the city's camping trip program to
include affordable, package deals for the city's children. Prior to her
time at the Department of Recreation, Mrs. Drakeford served as a
teacher's aide at Cleveland and Quarles Schools in the City of
Englewood for 27 years. For 15 of these years, she spent the first half
of the day educating schoolchildren, and the second half entertaining
them as the coordinator of the schools' After-School Program. Mrs.
Drakeford's contributions to the city touched generations of Englewood
residents.
Mrs. Drakeford leaves behind a loving and adoring family. Her son
Teddy Drakeford, whom I have known for nearly two decades, was a valued
staffer in my office from 1996 until last year. He recently left my
office to continue his mother's proud legacy of working with children.
Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in
honoring Mrs. Drakeford for her lifetime of dedicated support to the
children and residents of Englewood.

____________________

TRIBUTE TO THE HEAVENLY HATS PROJECT-TRV

______

HON. TOM LATHAM

of iowa

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Heavenly
Hats Project-TRV students for being the recipients of the Young Leaders
Award at the 2010 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.
The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and
honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the
benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the
accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the
value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on
community spirit.
Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Young Leaders Award is
presented to an individual or group of young people who have made their
community a better place through volunteer efforts.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent the Heavenly Hats Project-
TRV students in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues
join me in commending them for their sincere dedication to establishing
a better community and wish them continued success well into the
future.

____________________

IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF MELVIN S. SCHWARZWALD AND PHILIP M.
ZANNELLA, JR.

______

HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

of ohio

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of
Melvin S. Schwarzwald and Philip M. Zannella, Jr., as they are being
honored by the State of Israel Bonds, Cleveland Chapter, Cleveland,
Ohio.
Melvin S. Schwarzwald is a managing partner with the law firm
Schwarzwald, McNair & Fusco LLP. The firm represents the interests of
labor unions, especially in the areas of labor-sponsored pension,
health and welfare plans. Mr. Schwarzwald, a graduate of Harvard Law
School, launched his legal career working for the late U.S. Senator
Howard M. Metzenbaum. Mr. Schwarzwald has worked on behalf of numerous
labor organizations, steel workers, machinists, food workers,
musicians, printing trades and many others. In addition to serving on
the Cleveland Israel Bonds Cabinet, he continues to volunteer his
expertise and time by serving on many boards that protect the rights of
workers, including the National Labor Advisory Committee and the Board
of Directors of the AFL-CIO.
Mr. Philip M. Zannella, Jr., is the Directing Business Representative
for the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers,
Local #1363. Mr. Zannella learned first hand the critical role of labor
representation when he joined the International Association of
Machinists and Aerospace Workers in 1971, where he first worked as a
garage-man, apprentice and journeyman mechanic for Transamerica Freight
Lines. In 1975, while working as a journeyman mechanic at Marshall
Ford, he was appointed Business Representative for Local #1363. For
nearly thirty years, Mr. Zannella perfected his trade as an aerospace
machinist, learning new elements of the trade as technology evolved.
Promoted to Directing Business Representative in 2004, Mr. Zannella
incorporates his labor expertise and passion on behalf of workers'
rights to successfully negotiate labor contracts, arbitrations and
grievances. An active community volunteer, he is a member and leader on
several labor boards. He also volunteers on behalf of conservation and
farm organizations, including the Northern Ohio Chapter of Guide Dogs
of America.
Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition
of Melvin S. Schwarzwald and Philip M. Zannella, Jr., for their
unwavering commitment and work on behalf of protecting the rights,
safety and benefits of the laboring men and women throughout our
community and our nation. Their accomplishments and leadership, honored
by the State of Israel Bonds, has strengthened the rights of workers
and continues to strengthen the bonds of friendship between American
labor and the State of Israel.

[[Page 5372]]

____________________

CELEBRATING THE JEWISH NAMING CEREMONY OF RACHEL ESTHER LAULOM

______

HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

of california

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my good
friend, Dr. Sol Lizerbram, to honor and recognize the birth of his
granddaughter Rachel Esther Laulom in a baby naming ceremony officiated
by Rabbi Matthew Earne at Congregation Beth Am on Sunday, April 18,
2010 in San Diego, California.
Rachel Esther Laulom was born on February 3, 2010 to parents Marci
and Corey Laulom. She joins her big brother Jacob Laulom; proud
grandparents Dr. Sol and Lauren Lizerbram, and paternal grandparents
Danny and Carol Laulom.
The baby has been given the name Rachel Esther in honor of her great-
grandmothers; maternal great-grandmother, Esther Lizerbram, and her
paternal great-grandmother, Rachel Addi.
This centuries-old ceremony is considered to be one of the most
important and recognized Jewish rituals. It signifies the importance of
the Jewish faith, introduces the baby to the community for their
support and commitment to the physical and spiritual well being of baby
Rachel. It is a time of dedication and benediction, and will allow
Marci and Corey to enlighten the family and community to the
significance of her chosen name.
Madam Speaker, I have the pleasure of asking my colleagues to join me
in recognizing the traditions of the Jewish faith and the significance
of this ceremony.

____________________

REMEMBERING THE SACRIFICE OF OUR NATION'S PRISONERS OF WAR

______

HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

of washington

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize POW
Remembrance Day. As a nation, we must always honor and remember all of
the brave men and women who have placed themselves in harm's way in
order to protect liberty and freedom. However, special recognition is
warranted for those selfless individuals who confronted our enemies as
prisoners of war. It is fitting that we honor the commitment and the
sacrifices made by this nation's prisoners of war.
April 9th commemorates the date during World War II when the single
largest number of Americans were captured and forced to undergo the
infamous Bataan Death March. Today we remember those Soldiers, Sailors,
Marines, and Airmen and the many others since then that have fallen
captive while valiantly fighting to preserve our great nation.
Madam Speaker, in recognition of Prisoner of War Remembrance Day,
today citizens and veterans alike are gathered at the Veterans
Administration Hospital in Spokane, Washington, to honor and pay
respect to these brave souls. I ask my colleagues to join me in
offering my most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to this nation's
prisoners of war for their enduring sacrifices.

____________________

IN HONOR OF EDWARD D. TEARE

______

HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

of ohio

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Edward D.
Teare, dedicated father and paramedic for the Fire Department in
Independence, Ohio. A family man who believed in tradition, he lived
his life in service of others and he will never be forgotten by his
friends, colleagues and loved ones.
Mr. Teare was born in Cleveland, but grew up in Independence. As a
student at Independence High School, he worked in public service during
the summer. He continued as a college student at Kent State University.
After college, Mr. Teare studied to become a paramedic at Marymount
Hospital. He joined the Independence Fire Department in 1979 and worked
his way up to the rank of lieutenant.
Mr. Teare was a beloved husband of Janet (nee Boyd), and a devoted
father to Katherine, Edward and Linda. Mr. Teare and his wife were
members of the Church of Assumption, where they played pinochle. An
outdoorsman, Mr. Teare enjoyed running as well as boating and fishing
on Lake Erie. An annual fishing trip with family and friends, which
became a rite of passage for his son and his friends, will continue
this year in his honor.
Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of Edward
D. Teare, a family man and outstanding public servant. He will be
greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

____________________

HONORING ELWOOD AND PATRICIA TREADWELL'S 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

______

HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

of florida

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
honor Elwood and Patricia Treadwell of Groveland, FL. On April 2, 2010,
Mr. and Mrs. Elwood celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Elwood Treadwell, better known by his friends and family as
``Woody'', attained the rank of colonel while serving in the military.
In his civilian life, his career has taken him as far north as Niagara,
New York where he worked as a structural engineer, to sunny Florida
where he currently works for the Walt Disney World Transportation
Department, in the Magic Kingdom's ferry boat section.
Patricia Treadwell's passion for animals and devotion to those in
need also took her to Niagara, New York. She devoted countless hours to
training dogs for the Guiding Eyes program.
So far, Woody and Patricia's marriage has spanned 5 decades, 10
presidents, a moon landing and the Challenger explosion. They can
remember where they were when Martin Luther King Junior gave his famous
address on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and on the day President
Kennedy was assassinated. In the past 50 years, technology has also
evolved in ways that few could have imagined: the invention of the
Internet and cell phones has made it easier than ever to connect with
loved ones.
Over the span of their lives together, they have raised two children,
and are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren. They have
supported them with their love and have given them the tools to take on
our ever changing world.
Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Treadwells on 50
years of wedded bliss. I wish them the best over the next 50 years as
they continue to walk through life together.

____________________

IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLEVELAND
WOMEN'S ORCHESTRA

______

HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

of ohio

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of
the 75th anniversary of the Cleveland Women's Orchestra, the oldest
women's orchestra in the United States. I also rise in recognition of
its founder, Mr. Hyman Schandler. With the help of his beloved wife
Rebecca, Mr. Schandler created an opportunity for women musicians to
perform professionally.
Mr. Schandler was a violin teacher who became inspired by the
exceptional talent of his female students. He rallied the support of
his friends and colleagues and founded the Cleveland Women's Orchestra
in 1935. After receiving rave reviews by all three local newspapers for
its debut concert at Severance Hall, the Women's Orchestra became a
fixture of the community.
Mr. Schandler served as both the conductor and the music director at
the orchestra for 55 years until he passed in 1990 at the age of 90.
Subsequently, Robert L. Conquist was named Music Director and has held
the position ever since. Mr. Conquist, a life-long friend of Mr.
Schandler, has maintained the rich traditions of the Cleveland Women's
Orchestra.
Madam Speaker, please join me in honor and celebration of the
Cleveland Women's Orchestra. After 75 years, the orchestra still
provides talented women musicians with performance opportunities;
provides the community with special events programs; provides free
``Gift of Music'' concerts on a regular basis; and plays an anniversary
concert at Severance Hall every year. The Cleveland Women's Orchestra
is a vibrant organization that enriches all our lives through the
universal language of music.

[[Page 5373]]

____________________

IN HONOR OF BURLINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VOICE OF BUSINESS
AWARD WINNERS

______

HON. JOHN H. ADLER

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. ADLER of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and
congratulate this year's Burlington County Chamber of Commerce Voice of
Business award recipients for their outstanding contributions to the
Burlington County business community. Having strong, local business
communities is vital to the well-being of our nation and I commend
these individuals and companies who have demonstrated excellence in
commitment to South Jersey through extraordinary efforts. I would also
like to thank the Chamber, which itself is such an integral part of
this community, for taking the opportunity to draw attention to the
outstanding contributions of these individuals and organizations.
Mr. John C. Hall has rightfully earned this year's ``Voice of
Business'' award. For more than 34 years, Mr. Hall has been a vital
component to the economic development in Burlington County. He helped
co-found the ``Committee of 50,'' a local organization focused on the
economic development of Burlington County. He was President of Mt.
Holly State Bank for more than 17 years and currently serves as the
Vice President of Government Banking at Beneficial Bank.
Beneficial Bank and Pro Computer Service have earned this year's
``Business Excellence'' award for their commitment to the economic
development of Burlington County through increasing local employment
opportunities, leadership in the community, and entrepreneurial spirit.
This year's ``Economic Development'' award is given to the Maple
Shade Business Association, an organization of more than 100 active
entrepreneurs. The MSBA is an integral part of the local community,
helping to foster local job creation and strengthen the small business
community.
Earning this year's ``New Voice'' award is SNJ Business People, a
monthly business publication that focuses on local business leaders and
their work throughout South Jersey.
The ``Community Enrichment'' award will go to Crossroads Programs,
Inc, a non-profit that has provided residential and community based
services to the region's most vulnerable youth for more than 31 years.
The Honorable William Haines Jr. is the recipient of this year's
``Public Voice'' award. Mr. Haines, a former Burlington County
freeholder, was an aggressive advocate of land preservation whose
legacy has been the preservation of thousands of acres of farmland and
open space in Burlington County. His efforts led to the creation of the
county parks department in 1999 and the recognition by the Victorian
Society in America for the county's restoration efforts at historic
Smithville Park in Eastampton.
Earning this year's ``Chairman's Award of Excellence'' is Mr. Mark
Morgan who serves as President of the Moorestown Business Association
and Director of the Moorestown Theatre Company. Under his leadership,
both groups have thrived and become integral community organizations.
The honorees will be recognized at Burlington County's Chamber of
Commerce Voice of Business dinner on April 19, 2010. I applaud these
outstanding individuals and businesses who have worked hard to achieve
the American dream of free enterprise and serve our community by
ensuring small businesses remain the job engine of America.

____________________

NATIONAL MEDIA FAIL TO HOLD PRESIDENT ACCOUNTABLE

______

HON. LAMAR SMITH

of texas

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, recently, a woman named Doris
asked President Obama why his health care legislation includes more
taxes when, as she put it, ``we are overtaxed as it is.''
Here's what The Wall Street Journal had to say about the President's
17-minute, 2,500-word answer, and the media's failure to hold him
accountable:

[The President's] filibuster had only served to avoid
addressing her concern. He never explained why his health
care bill ended up raising taxes on those making under
$200,000 a year--a violation of his explicit 2008 campaign
pledge.
President Obama is clearly avoiding any forum where he can
be pinned down with tough questions.
So far, Washington journalists have been quite passive in
letting the White House choose the terms of its interaction
with the public.
Would a conservative president get such an obliging ride
from the normally aggressive Washington press corps? Probably
not.

The national media should hold the President accountable, not give
him a free pass.

____________________

HONORING THE MIGNONI SISTERS

______

HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

of pennsylvania

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
honor Carol Mignoni Ferguson, Rosemarie Mignoni Szczucki, and Ann
Mignoni Mundy.
The Mignoni family name has been synonymous with quality jewelry in
Bristol, Pennsylvania for over 60 years. They have been intertwined
with the Irish community for almost as many years, with their love for
Irish jewelry and art on clear display in their Bristol store.
Recently, the Mignoni sisters were again recognized by the Irish
community for their contribution to the culture, the tradition, and the
general welfare of Irish heritage. They truly embody the ideals of the
Irish community, and their charity and support of friends and family
inspire those around them.
These three sisters led the Bucks County St. Patrick's Day parade on
March 13, 2010, as exemplary members of the Bucks County community and
as representatives of the Irish spirit. Long after the parade is over,
they will continue to be leaders throughout the community, and their
love and compassion will continue to be a beacon in the 8th district of
Pennsylvania.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Carol, Ann, and Rose Mignoni for
their incredible service to our community. I am honored to serve as
their Congressman and humbled to call them my friends.

____________________

IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF
FAIRVIEW PARK

______

HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

of ohio

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of
the 100th anniversary of the City of Fairview Park. Residents, business
owners and city officials have occasion to celebrate the rich history
of this vibrant community.
One hundred years ago, the land southwest of Cleveland was a
combination of farmland and woodland. Some of the earliest settlers of
the area include families with surnames that are still recognizable
today: Mastick, Anthony, Bassett, Eaton and Spencer.
Independence appears to be the main catalyst for the creation of
Fairview Park (originally Fairview Village). Many residents of the
Fairview-Parkview area of the newly incorporated Village of Rocky River
wanted their own community. Seventy-five families submitted petitions
in less than a year. On September 10, 1910, Fairview Village received
its official charter.
As the city grew, Fairview Park continued to be an important part of
the Cleveland-area community. Truck farming, a way of life for many
families living outside Cleveland, strengthened ties between
communities. Throughout the growing season, farmers would ``truck''
their produce and poultry to the city of Cleveland to sell at local
markets such as the popular West Side Market.
Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition
of the people of the City of Fairview Park, Ohio as they celebrate
their 100th anniversary. The city has overcome challenges and ensured
progress over the last century and it has always remained an integral
part of the Greater Cleveland community.

____________________

HONORING JAMES B. VENTANTONIO, ESQ.

______

HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize James B.
Ventantonio, the Somerset County Business Partnership's 60th Annual
Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Mr.

[[Page 5374]]

Ventantonio will be presented with this award on May 5, 2010, in
Martinsville, New Jersey.
The Somerset County Business Partnership is comprised of talented
community leaders, volunteers and employees dedicated to developing a
thriving economy and enhancing Somerset County's quality of life. Based
in Bridgewater, New Jersey, the SCBP is committed to providing
leadership on key business and community initiatives, assuring the
opportunity to attain business and personal goals, and achieving
results that benefit and assure prosperity in Somerset County.
Mr. Ventantonio has held a leadership position in nearly every
quality of life initiative in Somerset County for more than two
decades. He served as Chair of a number of organizations in Somerset
County, including the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, the Blue
Ribbon Task Force on the Somerset County Ballpark, and the Somerset
County Business Partnership. Mr. Ventantonio continues to be a member
of numerous non-profit and municipal boards and agencies. Mr.
Ventantonio began his career with the Somerset/Sussex Legal Services,
and continues to be a staunch supporter of providing legal services for
those who cannot afford representation.
Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope my colleagues will join me in
honoring Mr. James B. Ventantonio for his commitment to my
constituency, as well as congratulate him on receiving the 60th Annual
Outstanding Citizen Award.

____________________

HONORING THE RED CROSS

______

HON. ANH ``JOSEPH'' CAO

of louisiana

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the American Red
Cross. Since its founding in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red
Cross has provided assistance and comfort to communities where disaster
has struck.
Every year, at home and abroad, one in five Americans is in some way
touched by the Red Cross. My district, which includes New Orleans, was
one of the hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina.
The American Red Cross' response was immediate and 20 times bigger
than any previous response effort. While they provided sheltering, hot
meals, and assistance in purchasing essential items such as food and
clothing, they also provided something much greater: compassion,
promise, and hope. And, for that I am extremely grateful.
In addition to responding to disasters, the Red Cross also helps
prepare individuals to lead safe and healthy lives by offering
babysitting, safety, and CPR classes and coordinating blood donations.
Madam Speaker, whether it is an earthquake or a single family home
fire, a call for blood or a call for help, the American Red Cross will
be there.
I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the dedication and
efforts of the American Red Cross staff and volunteers and in
celebrating March as American Red Cross Month.

____________________

INTRODUCING WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON HAITI ACT OF 2010

______

HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

of florida

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the
White House Conference on Haiti Act of 2010. This important piece of
legislation would call on the President of the United States to convene
a White House Conference on Haiti before the end of this calendar year.
As we are all well aware, this past January, a 7.0 magnitude
earthquake rocked the already struggling nation of Haiti. Approximately
3 million people were affected and 230,000 are estimated to have died.
Those that survived are facing unimaginable conditions with a crumbling
infrastructure that has hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid.
If there is a silver lining to this unimaginable tragedy, it is that
out of this, the Haitian people have been given the incredible
opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and rebuild their nation
stronger than ever before. Millions of dollars in aid have flooded into
the country and thousands of aid organizations are committed to
building a sustainable recovery.
Immediately following the earthquake, we all witnessed countless
foreign governments and aid organizations pledging to stand with Haiti,
and I have been inspired by the countless individuals throughout the
globe who have donated their talents and services to the recovery and
the many more who are eager to help, but simply don't know how.
We cannot let this opportunity go to waste. However, with the
possibility to do good comes the very real possibility of waste,
duplication, and inefficiencies in the rebuilding and recovery process.
Under this bill, the major stakeholders in the rebuilding, along with
other interested parties, will come together to share their knowledge
and best practices and identify gaps in the recovery process. It is my
hope that out of this Conference, opportunities for collaboration and
coordination in projects big and small will emerge.
The Conference will also highlight innovative ideas for rebuilding
and redevelopment in Haiti, from inexpensive hurricane- and earthquake-
proof housing and green building techniques to sustainable economic
practices and urban development. There are countless companies and
individuals who have developed groundbreaking concepts in response to
this tragedy, but they have yet to be connected with those who can put
these ideas into practices or with others pursuing similar goals who
may be able to improve upon their initiatives. Innovation does not
happen in a bubble; great things can happen when great minds come
together.
Further, Haitians living abroad are eager to help their brothers and
sisters in Haiti, but many simply do not know where to begin. The White
House Conference on Haiti will tap the immense resource that is the
Haitian Diaspora by bringing their abilities together with those who
are in a position to use them.
Most importantly however, the White House Conference on Haiti will
help ensure that the challenges facing the Haitian people remain in the
public eye and in the minds of all Americans.
While the United States has been instrumental in the recovery and
rebuilding from countless natural and man-made disasters throughout the
world, few international tragedies have had as deep an impact on the
United States, and particularly the State of Florida, as this one.
Helping our Haitian neighbors is not only the right thing to do; it
is also in our own Nation's best interests. Just a stone's throw from
our shores, instability in Haiti impacts our own economy and
immigration levels.
Our nation's rapid, comprehensive response, from our Government down
to everyday Americans, has been commendable, but the President and this
administration are in a position to do more. This legislation would not
be a costly endeavor, but could stand to save millions of dollars that
could be used to improve the lives of the Haitian people for
generations to come.
At a time of extreme instability and crisis, the United States must
do all within its power to help ensure a long-term sustainable recovery
for Haiti.
I ask my colleagues to support this legislation and urge the House
leadership to bring it swiftly to the House floor for consideration.

____________________

HONORING MRS. FAYE CAIN SEARS

______

HON. HAROLD ROGERS

of kentucky

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs.
Faye Cain Sears of Somerset, Kentucky on the occasion of her 100th
birthday.
Mrs. Sears has long been admired by her community. The mother of four
children and blessed with many grandchildren, great grandchildren,
nieces and nephews, she has been a wonderful Christian example to them
and the numerous friends and acquaintances she has known over the
years. Her devotion to God, her family, and her community have been the
driving force of her long life.
While her husband, Goebel Sears, served our nation in the Navy during
World War Two, Faye moved to New York City, where she worked at the
Woolworth Company in Brooklyn. Upon returning to Kentucky, she worked
tirelessly in the community as an election officer, precinct
chairwoman, and attended the inauguration of several Kentucky
governors. She has also been awarded the prestigious ``Kentucky
Colonel'' award for her involvement. During her spare time she is
active in the Senior Friends organization, enjoys gardening and, of
course, University of Kentucky basketball.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring Mrs.
Faye Cain Sears who throughout her life has continued to bless all
those who know her and cherish her friendship and love. I am proud to
have her in my home community and honored to serve her in

[[Page 5375]]

the House of Representatives. Her 100th birthday is only the latest in
a long list of milestones in her life, and I am sure there will be many
more.

____________________

RECOGNIZING DR. MARTIN LUTHER LUTHERAN CHURCH OF BROOKLYN, OHIO

______

HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

of ohio

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr.
Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, Ohio as they celebrate one
hundred years of service to the community.
The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church began in 1910 with
the faith of several immigrant families who came to Cleveland from
Czechoslovakia in search of a better life. The original church was
built on West 14th Street in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. In
the 1960s, the church was demolished to make way for interstate highway
construction, including Interstate 71. Thanks to the dedication and
generous contributions of church members, a new home was found in
Brooklyn, Ohio, where the church has remained for more than forty
years.
Today, the church provides social activities and events for all ages.
Church members are brought together by the musical talents of the
Praise Band, as well as programs such as the weekly Children's Sermon.
Many members volunteer time at fish fries and other events, including
fund raising projects to help people in need.
Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing Dr.
Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, Ohio as they celebrate their
one hundred year anniversary. Although the church has evolved in many
ways over the past century, its mission has remained the same: to
provide a warm and friendly place for families and individuals of all
backgrounds to worship; to support each other; and to reach out and
help others in need.

____________________

A TRIBUTE TO MARY HATWOOD FUTRELL

______

HON. JAMES P. MORAN

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate
Mary Hatwood Futrell on her remarkable career as the Dean of the
Graduate School of Education and Human Development at The George
Washington University. Many in this body will remember Dr. Futrell from
her decades of involvement and leadership at the National Education
Association, where she was president from 1983 to 1989.
Throughout her entire distinguished career, Dr. Futrell has been a
trailblazer in Virginia and the national education debate. Born and
raised in Altavista, Virginia, she graduated from Dunbar High School in
Lynchburg and received a Business Education Degree from Virginia State
University. In 1965, she helped integrate the teaching staff at George
Washington High School in Alexandria, where she would continue to teach
until 1980--becoming chair of her department and an active participant
in the Alexandria and Virginia Education Associations.
In 1968, Dr. Futrell became the first African American president of
the Virginia Education Association. She fought hard for teachers'
rights, and in that same year she led a march of 7,000 teachers and
public school employees on Richmond to protest a Virginia Supreme Court
ruling striking down collective bargaining rights for public employees.
At the time, it was one of the largest marches ever to take place in
the history of Virginia.
Dr. Futrell became president of the National Education Association in
1983. There she served an unprecedented three terms. She worked
tirelessly to strengthen and grow the association, move it to take
forceful positions on collective bargaining rights, and to bring a
higher profile to important issues like drop-out rates and changing
school curriculum needs.
After stepping down as president of the NEA, Dr. Futrell joined The
George Washington University as a fellow, earned her PhD, and quickly
became a faculty member and the Dean of the Graduate School of
Education and Human Development. In her role as Dean she contributed
greatly to education both nationally and locally. Under her leadership
the School's prominence has grown dramatically; its enrollments have
increased 45 percent and it is now more selective than ever before. The
Graduate School has raised more than $200 million in funding for
research and educational efforts during her tenure and has started 10
centers of excellence that help guide education policy on the national
stage and in local school districts across the country.
Throughout that time, Dr. Futrell has always kept her close ties to
the Commonwealth. She makes sure that her faculty teaches in all of
GW's Virginia locations--Arlington, Alexandria, Ashburn and Hampton
Roads. Indeed, Dr. Futrell herself drives to the university's Hampton
Roads Center to teach classes each semester. She has built a strong
following and has personally educated many of the great principals,
superintendents and education leaders in Virginia today.
As she relinquishes her deanship, I want to wish Dr. Futrell many
more successful years of teaching and thank her for her lifetime of
dedication to her profession and to the students and teachers of the
Commonwealth of Virginia.

____________________

HONORING THE HAJDAK-MOKAN CHAPTER OF THE 82ND AIRBORNE ASSOCIATION

______

HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

of pennsylvania

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
honor the Hajdak-Mokan Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association as an
exemplary organization for its membership's history of commitment to
service, to community, and to our Nation.
The 82nd Airborne Division, the division in which I am proud to have
served, has had a long and distinguished history in the United States
Army. Formed on August 25, 1917, at Camp Gordon, Georgia, the unit was
given the nickname ``All-Americans,'' since members of the Division
called all 48 States home. This is showcased in its famous ``AA''
shoulder patch.
First deployed for combat in World War I, the 82nd Infantry Division
fought for five grueling months in France. After the war ended, the
Division was demobilized; when the duel threats of Fascist Germany and
Imperial Japan threatened the very survival of the free world and
democratic government, the 82nd was reactivated in 1942 to defend our
Nation. That same year, the 82nd became the first airborne division in
the U.S. Army, and was re-designated the 82nd Airborne Division. Over
the course of the war, paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division saw
action in North Africa, Italy, and as part of Operation Overlord. On
the night of June 5th-6th, 1944, just before Allied transports landed
on the beaches of Normandy, paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne
Division began the largest airborne assault in history, and were among
the first to fight for the liberation of Europe. The 82nd Airborne
would go on to fight in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, and
would brave the German counteroffensive in the Ardennes forest in the
frigid winter of 1944.
After the war, the 82nd Airborne Division assisted in the occupation
of Berlin, and then upon its return to the United States made its
permanent home at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. Since then, the brave
paratroopers of the 82nd have seen action in Korea, have helped keep
order in the Dominican Republic, have fought in the dense jungles of
Vietnam, and have defended American interests in Grenada. The
paratroopers participated in interventions in Honduras and Panama, and
in 1990 assisted in the liberation of Kuwait from Saddam Hussein's
brutal dictatorship. After 9/11, the 82nd Airborne was one of the first
American units to see action in Afghanistan. When the U.S. launched
Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 82nd Airborne was there.
The Hajdak-Mokan Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association honors
veterans, raises money for wounded warriors, provides honor guards for
funerals, marches in parades, and supports community events. The men
and women of the Hajdak-Mokan Chapter embody the spirit of the 82nd
Airborne. They prove that love of country, commitment to one another
and to community, and a respect for duty are all still integral parts
of American society. This spirit also manifests itself in the life and
work of Mr. Dan Bosak. Mr. Bosak was a founding member of the Hajdak-
Mokan Chapter. He served as its chairman for 13 years of its 15-year
history.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Hajdak-Mokan Chapter of
the 82nd Airborne Association for its outstanding dedication to
service, and its longtime chairman and one of its founding members, Mr.
Dan Bosak, for his years of steadfast commitment and loyalty to his
fellow paratroopers, to his community, and to his Nation. I am
extremely honored to serve as his Congressman.

[[Page 5376]]

____________________

PACIFIC UNIVERSITY LU'AU 50TH ANNIVERSARY

______

HON. DAVID WU

of oregon

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Pacific
University's Na Haumana `O Hawai'i Club for their 50 years of service
and support for the student body and surrounding communities in Forest
Grove, Oregon.
Pacific University, founded in 1849, is one of the oldest schools in
the Pacific Northwest. It prides itself on its community of
intellectually curious and highly motivated faculty, staff, and
students who are committed to educational excellence and the
maintenance and expansion of an open worldview. Pacific is a
comprehensive liberal arts and health care university with more than
3,200 graduate and undergraduate students attending classes at campuses
in Forest Grove, Eugene, Hillsboro, and Portland, Oregon.
Na Haumana `O Hawai'i, which was founded in the fall of 1959, is an
integral part of Pacific's vibrant and diverse community. It began as a
group of sixteen students from Hawaii under the guidance of Dr. Fred
Scheller and Dr. A.C. ``Hap'' Hingston and has now grown into a campus-
wide organization with over 200 members.
Through social functions and community projects, active members of
the club become a part of a family of students, or `Ohana, and are
integrated into a network that ensures a memorable college experience.
For the group, family means more than blood relations; it means a
collection of people who have strong community ties and are focused on
building positive relationships.
One of Na Haumana `O Hawai'i's most successful activities, the Big
Brother-Big Sister program, pairs new students with upperclassmen from
the same high school or hometown, allowing the new students to adjust
to their surroundings using peers as a resource and further
capitalizing the concept of `Ohana. Club members are also given the
opportunity to participate in intramural sports, which afford them the
opportunity to engage in the competitive spirit while meeting new
people and fostering a deeper sense of community and loyalty to one
another.
In addition, the Na Haumana `O Hawai'i club facilitates a variety of
activities throughout the year to enrich the student body and wider
community. The most well-known of these events, the annual spring
lu'au, is a culmination of many hours of hard work and months of
planning. The lu'au allows the community to share in a unique aspect of
Hawaiian heritage, culture, and family, or 'Ohana. This event is the
only completely student-run and student-directed lu'au in the Northwest
and attracts over 2,000 attendees every year.
On April 10, 2010, Na Haumana `O Hawai'i will celebrate its 50th
annual lu'au at Pacific University. I wish to recognize Na Haumana `O
Hawai'i for its accomplishments, legacy, and importance in the
university community. Congratulations to Pacific University's Na
Haumana `O Hawai'i club for having reached its 50th anniversary lu'au
celebration. Mahalo and best wishes.

____________________

HONORING BOTH REGIONAL CONTRACTING SERVICES, LLC, IN WASHINGTON, D.C.,
AS THE 2010 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR, AND ITS FOUNDER, BEVERLY THOMAS

______

HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

of the district of columbia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of
Representatives to join me in honoring Regional Contracting Services,
LLC, in Washington, D.C., as the 2010 D.C. Small Business of the Year,
and its founder, Beverly Thomas. Regional Contracting Services is a
woman-owned, minority D.C. business that specializes in rough
carpentry, fire-stopping, insulation, and building supplies. The
company recently received a significant contract to do work at the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters construction
project, the largest federal construction project underway in the
United States today, where 100 percent of the pre-construction
contracts were awarded to small, minority-owned, and disadvantaged
businesses, and 40 percent of these contracts were awarded to
businesses in the District of Columbia, where the project is located.
Regional Contracting Services began in July 2001 with a $7,000
investment and has grown significantly, reporting annual sales revenue
of $16 million last year, with a bonding capacity of $2 million per
job, and $10 million in total. Regional Contracting Services has 60
employees, and has been rated among the top 500 ``Fastest Growing
Companies in America'' by Entrepreneur magazine.
Regional Contracting Services has worked on some of the Washington
area's top projects, including the Children's National Medical Center,
the Mandarin Hotel, the Pentagon, the National Museum of the American
Indian, the Walter Washington Convention Center, the Washington
Nationals' Baseball Stadium, and the Washington Metro Area Transit
Authority--Brentwood Yard Expansion.
Receiving a contract for the DHS headquarters construction project is
a testament to Regional Contracting Services' success and motivation
for other D.C. small businesses in competition for a share of the DHS
headquarters project. The early success of Regional Contracting
Services stands as an example to our local businesses, that in a fair
competition, they can win. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of
Representatives to join me in honoring both Regional Contracting
Services, LLC, in Washington, D.C., as the 2010 D.C. Small Business of
the Year, and its founder, Beverly Thomas.

____________________

OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL DEBT

______

HON. MIKE COFFMAN

of colorado

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is
$12,826,379,456,286.85.
On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national
debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80.
This means the national debt has increased by $2,187,953,709,993.00
so far this Congress.
This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children
and all future Americans.

____________________

IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS OF A NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY

______

HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

of new york

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of establishing
a National Siblings Day, a day in which we all reflect upon the ways
siblings have enriched our lives. We have a Mother's Day to celebrate
our mothers, and a Father's Day to celebrate our fathers. Establishing
a Siblings Day would allow us an opportunity to celebrate and honor our
siblings and would give every family member a day to be celebrated.
Claudia Evart is a constituent of mine in New York. She has worked
tirelessly over the past several years to make April 10th the official
day we reflect upon the importance of our siblings.
April 10th would mark the birthday of Ms. Evart's sister, Lisette,
who died tragically in an accident that also took the life of her
father in 1972. Lisette was only 19 years old. Just 14 years later, in
1986, Ms. Evart's older brother, Alan, died in an accident in his home
at the young age of 36.
Siblings significantly affect our lives and shape who we are.
Siblings are a major part of our family, and often when our parents are
gone our siblings are the only family we have left. And sometimes we
lose our siblings at an early age, as with Ms. Evart's tragic
experience. A National Siblings Day would help us honor and celebrate
siblings and aid us in remembering the siblings that we have lost.
I applaud Ms. Evart's hard work over the past 14 years to create a
National Siblings Day, and with it a loving tribute to her deceased
siblings. Her dedicated efforts are inspirational. Since 1998, 33
governors have issued gubernatorial proclamations in their states for
Siblings Day: AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, FL, IL, IA, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD,
MA, MI, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OK, PA, RI, SC, VT, VA, WV, WA, WI
and WY. I urge my colleagues to recognize the importance of siblings by
adding their support to Ms. Evart's endeavors, and to the goals of a
National Siblings Day.

[[Page 5377]]

____________________

HONORING THE LIFE OF DORIS MARIE THOMPSON

______

HON. TED POE

of texas

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I commemorate the life and
service of Doris Marie Thompson, a tireless victims' rights advocate
from San Antonio, Texas, who passed away on March 18, 2010.
Doris began her life of service to the cause of victims' rights
following the murder of her 26-year-old daughter, J'Anna Marie Tebbs.
Over the course of two decades, Doris spent countless hours counseling
fellow parents and using her own tragedy to discourage other violent
crimes.
In 1999, Doris worked with Raven Kazen Hauge to establish the first
Victim Services Division in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The division allows a victim's family and friends to be notified of the
offender's parole hearings and to directly petition parole board
members. Doris was also heavily involved with a branch of the division
known as the Victim Impact Panel. There, she would retell the story of
her daughter's murder to groups of probationers in hopes that hearing
it would dissuade them from committing violent crimes.
Doris Marie Thompson dedicated her life to pursuing justice and care
for victims. These are the values that the Victims' Rights Caucus seeks
to emulate and celebrate. I thank Doris for her work and honor her life
as a shining example of tireless advocacy for victims.

____________________

IN HONOR OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE V. GEORGE CAREY

______

HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

of delaware

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today
to recognize the career of The Honorable State Representative V. George
Carey. A member of Delaware's House of Representatives for the past 26
years and president of Carey Farms, Inc., Representative Carey is a man
who has given much to his community and his state, but most of all, has
served his constituents of the 36th District with honor and humility.
Representative Carey is retiring after an accomplished and unique
career in the General Assembly, and his presence in the State House
will be greatly missed.
George was elected in 1984 to the State House of Representatives; the
same year I was first elected Governor of the State of Delaware. I had
the privilege of working with George for eight years while I was in
Dover, and have fond memories of that time. George will leave behind an
indelible legacy in the General Assembly for his efforts with land
conservation, tax-ditch reform, and most of all, an outstanding
commitment to the constituents he represented.
As one of only two active farmers serving in the General Assembly,
George has built a reputation in the State House as an authority on
agricultural issues, and has used that expertise to be a positive force
on behalf of farmers throughout Delaware. He has been a member of the
Agriculture Committee for more than two decades, and his retirement
will leave a void of leadership and knowledge that will be extremely
difficult to fill. Representative Carey helped create the Delaware
Agricultural Lands Preservation Program, noted to be among the most
successful initiatives of its kind in the nation. His leadership with
the program extended beyond the halls of the General Assembly, when he
became one of the first farmers in the state to enter his farmland into
the program. Last year, George was given the Delaware Association of
Conservation Districts' Legislative Award for his career service and
devotion to conservation efforts. In addition to land conservation,
George was instrumental in reforming Delaware's tax-ditch system. He
served on the Tax Ditch Right-of-Way Task Force, and sponsored House
Bill 452, which addressed and corrected many issues that had resulted
from a confusing and archaic system.
Throughout the past two and half decades as the Representative for
the 36th District, George has worked diligently as a delegate for his
constituents, ensuring that they have a voice in the General Assembly.
He has pushed for reform when needed, as shown by his efforts to
develop a solution for the tax-ditch issue. And when common sense calls
for conservation, he has tirelessly advocated for such measures. As a
long-time member of the Joint Bond Bill Committee, he has been
instrumental in improving and enhancing the community he serves. George
has secured funding to bring a variety of projects to his district,
such as the Milford and Milton Riverwalks, the Milford Library, the
Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club, and the Milton Museum.
State Representative V. George Carey has had an exemplary career of
public service. I am proud to have served with him for the eight years
that I did, and relish this opportunity to honor him on the occasion of
his retirement. He was steadfast in his mission to champion the
wellbeing of his district, and will be remembered for his contributions
to Sussex County, and the State of Delaware.

____________________

RECOGNIZING MICHELLE ALYSSA CARILLI AS THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE
COUNCIL JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

______

HON. JOE COURTNEY

of connecticut

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michelle
Alyssa Carilli, the recipient of the National Volunteer Fire Council's
Junior Firefighter of the Year Award. Michelle is currently a senior at
Coventry High School, which is located in Coventry, Connecticut.
Each year the National Volunteer Fire Council conducts a national
search to honor a junior firefighter who has gone above and beyond the
normal call of duty in his or her commitment to the fire and emergency
services. Michelle's outstanding contributions to the Coventry
Volunteer Fire Association truly embody what it means to be a junior
firefighter. Michelle's family is no stranger to public service, with
her father serving as chief of the Coventry Volunteer Fire Department,
alongside numerous other relatives.
For almost four years, Michelle has dedicated herself to public
service in her community. During that time, she raised almost $2,000 so
that the Coventry Fire Department could sponsor the Coventry Special
Olympics, organized the Volunteer for Life program for her fellow high
school students to become first aid certified and led a recruitment
campaign to get more students involved with the department which
resulted in many of their parents becoming volunteer firefighters and
EMTs. She holds the rank of Junior Firefighter Captain and was the
first junior firefighter to be named the Coventry Volunteer Fire
Association's Emergency Medical Service Provider of the Year.
Michelle's performance as a Junior Firefighter is mirrored by her
success as a scholar and an athlete. She is an honor roll student at
Coventry High School and a captain of the school's State Champion
volleyball team. She is also a Varsity basketball player and track
athlete.
Madam Speaker, public safety in our communities is dependent on
outstanding volunteers like Michelle Carilli. Her selfless service to
her town, her department, and her school makes her truly deserving of
the distinction of Junior Firefighter of the Year. I ask my colleagues
to join with me and my constituents in recognizing Michelle's
contributions and celebrating her award.

____________________

REVEREND DR. HENRY L. FULLER, JR. AND MARILYN W. FULLER

______

HON. DALE E. KILDEE

of michigan

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend Dr.
Henry L. Fuller, Jr. and his wife Marilyn W. Fuller as they celebrate
12 years leading the congregation of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist
Church in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. A dinner was held on
Saturday, April 10 to honor the occasion.
Pastor Fuller received his Bachelor's degree from the United Bible
Institute of the United Theological Seminary--Flint Branch. He received
an honorary doctorate from United Bible Institute of the United
Theological Seminary in Monroe, Louisiana. He preached his first sermon
on December 12, 1971 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. He was
inspired to organize a Mission in Holly, Michigan in 1973. The Mission
became Faith Baptist Church. Between the years 1983 to 1998, Pastor
Fuller headed the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Muncie, Indiana.
On April 18, 1998, Pastor Fuller returned to his roots and became the
Pastor at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to leading
the congregation, Pastor Fuller has

[[Page 5378]]

held several positions with the church and in the community. He has
served as president of the Northeastern District Sunday School and BTU
Congress of Christian Education of the Northeastern District Missionary
Baptist Association in Muncie; president of Indiana Consolidated
Congress of Christian Education of the Indiana Consolidated State
Convention; served on the Finance Board of the National Baptist
Convention of America, Inc.; was a writer with the Publishing Board
Sunday School and BTU Literature National Baptist Convention of
America, Inc.; as an instructor at the Central Baptist Theological
Seminary of Indiana; and served as moderator of the Great Lakes Baptist
District Association 2000-2007.
Marilyn W. Fuller has worked by her husband's side in the Flint
community and at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. A retired
registered nurse specializing in substance abuse and addictions
counseling, Mrs. Fuller currently serves on the Board of Managers of
Hurley Medical Center. She works with the Genesee County focus group
for the National Coalition of Pastors' Spouses committed to decreasing
HIV/AIDS infection in African American Women. She is active in several
ministries at Mt. Calvary and at the Great Lakes District level, the
Wolverine State Congress level and the National Baptist Congress level.
Pastor and Mrs. Fuller have 4 children and 7 grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and
honor the work of Reverend Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr., and his wife,
Marilyn W. Fuller. Their enthusiasm and witness have inspired the Mt.
Calvary family. May Our Lord, Jesus Christ, continue to bless our
community with their service for many, many more years.

____________________

IN HONOR OF MR. RICHARD S. CITRON, FACHE

______

HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

of delaware

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today
to recognize the career of Mr. Richard Citron, who is retiring after 42
years of federal service. Mr. Citron has developed a reputation of
expertise in delivering state-of-the-art healthcare throughout his 38
years working in Veterans Affairs, and his well-earned retirement will
leave a void in the field.
Mr. Citron has served as the Director of the Philadelphia Veterans
Affairs Medical Center since August of 2007. Richard served in the
United States Army from 1968 to 1971, and began his career in
healthcare by working for a year at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in
Chu Lai, Vietnam during the war. His career has taken him all over
America, including stints as Assistant Director of the University Drive
VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and terms as Director of
both the Jesse Brown VAMC in Chicago, Illinois, and VAMC in Wilmington,
Delaware. In addition to his nearly four decades working as a Veterans
healthcare professional, Mr. Citron is a Fellow in the American College
of Healthcare Executives, a defining credential for those in his
profession.
As Director of the Philadelphia VAMC, Richard oversaw operations of
the medical facilities that serve the sixth largest metropolitan area
in the nation, including the city of Philadelphia and surrounding six
counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He was responsible for a staff
of more than 2,000 dedicated individuals working at the main campus in
West Philadelphia and community-based outpatient clinics at Fort Dix,
in Gloucester County and Camden, New Jersey, as well as Center City
Philadelphia, and Horsham, Pennsylvania. Richard takes particular pride
in the advancements made within the Behavioral Health and Women's
programs instituted or strengthened during his time as Director at the
Philadelphia VAMC.
Having left an indelible legacy in Veterans healthcare, Richard can
rest assured that we are indebted to him for his service to our
country. I wish him the best in retirement, and thank him for his
dedication to assisting those who have sacrificed so much in defense of
this great nation.

____________________

IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2010 VALOR AWARD RECIPIENT IN THE VIRGINIA STATE
POLICE

______

HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an
outstanding member of the Virginia State Police. This individual has
demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and has been awarded
the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince William Regional Chamber of
Commerce.
The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line
of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment
to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put
their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods
safe.
One member of the Virginia State Police is being honored this year
for his exceptional service. It is with great pride that I submit his
name into the Congressional Record:
Recipient of the 2010 Investigative Merit Award is: Trooper Edward J.
Miskin.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of the men and women who serve in the Virginia State Police.
Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Virginia, are selfless
acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues
to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

____________________

COMMEMORATING HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

______

HON. JIM COSTA

of california

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Holocaust
Remembrance Day, the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi
concentration camps. I would like to specifically recognize the Yom
HaShoah observation being held in Bakersfield, California on April 11,
2010 by Temple Beth El and B'Nai Jacob Synagogue.
The Holocaust was the state-sponsored, systematic persecution and
annihilation of European Jewry by Nazi Germany. Over six million Jews
were murdered and millions of others were slaughtered including the
handicapped and those targeted for racial, ethnic or national reasons.
During one of the darkest moments in human history, we experienced the
human capacity for evil and the catastrophic consequences of
indifference in the face of evil.
This year's theme Stories of Freedom: What You Do Matters compels us
to remember the victims of the Holocaust and honor the survivors,
rescuers and liberators. Their stories of freedom remind us that
individuals have the power to make a difference. William Harvey, a
Holocaust Survivor, will share his personal testimony during
Bakersfield's commemoration service. We must also pay tribute to the
U.S. soldiers whose valiant efforts helped defeat Nazi Germany and
liberate Holocaust survivors from years of suffering.
To preserve human freedom, we must choose to uphold the moral
responsibilities of individuals, societies and governments. Madam
Speaker, I urge all of our colleagues to recognize the importance of
Holocaust Remembrance Day and actively rededicate ourselves to the
principles of individual freedom in a just society and the need of
respect for all people.

____________________

IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2010 VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS IN THE PRINCE WILLIAM
COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND RESCUE

______

HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize
outstanding members of the Prince William County Department of Fire and
Rescue. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to
public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the
Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line
of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment
to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put
their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods
safe. The individuals are receiving awards at the 2010 ceremony in
three categories: The Bronze Valor Award, the Lifesaving Merit Award,
and the Lifesaving Award.
Thirty members of the Prince William County Department of Fire and
Rescue are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is
with great pride that I submit their names into the Congressional
Record:

[[Page 5379]]

Recipients of the 2010 Bronze Valor Award are: Technician II Daniel
Beck, Technician I Allan Kehrer, Captain Kim Pumphrey, Technician I
Shane Barnett, Technician II Michael Moore and Technician II Michael
Mishler
Recipients of the 2010 Lifesaving Award are: Technician II Michael
Moore, Technician II Jonathan Moore, Technician II Jeremy Moore,
Technician II Rob Ardaiolo, Captain Kim Pumphrey, Technician I Shane
Barnett, Technician II Scott Coloe, Technician I Andrew Marsh, Captain
Scott Dixon, Technician II Sean Trainum, Technician II Jason Scott,
Technician I Mike Shannon, Lieutenant Ed McNally and Technician II
Michael Mishler
Recipients of the 2010 Certificate of Valor are: Technician II Walt
Hunt, Technician II Dan McCleese, Technician I Matt Livingston,
Technician I Steve King, Technician II Michael Mishler, Technician II
Michael Moore, Technician I Cameron Malone, Technician I Chris Klahr,
Technician II Clarence Voundy, Technician II Matt Norman
Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of the men and women who serve in the Prince William County
Department of Fire and Rescue. Their efforts, made on behalf of the
citizens of Prince William County, are selfless acts of heroism and
truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in
applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

____________________

HONORING MARGARET MARSH FOR HER INDUCTION INTO THE RUTGERS HALL OF
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

______

HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Margaret
Marsh, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, for being chosen by
the Rutgers University Alumni Association for induction into the
Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2010. Ms. Marsh is one of 195
individuals who have received this award out of 380,000 Alumni. It is
the highest honor given to any Rutgers University graduate.
Ms. Marsh earned her undergraduate from Rutgers-Camden University and
later received her PhD. in history from Rutgers-New Brunswick in 1974.
After becoming Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences in 1998, Ms.
Marsh earned a reputation as a renowned expert in women's history,
gender history, American cultural history, and the connections between
gender and medicine. She has shared her vast knowledge having written
several books, articles, and essays on these subjects.
Ms. Marsh has shown immense dedication to the success of her
institution, and with her leadership, Rutgers' ability to serve the
citizens of New Jersey has grown. Ms. Marsh is both a dedicated
administrator and gifted faculty member teaching both undergraduate and
graduate students as a Distinguished Professor of History.
Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Margaret Marsh on
this achievement. Her accomplishments represent the very definition of
Rutgers pride and should not go unnoticed.

____________________

IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2010 VALOR AWARD RECIPIENT, THE MANASSAS PARK/
MANASSAS CITY/PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REGIONAL NARCOTICS TASK FORCE

______

HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize
the Manassas Park/Manassas City/Prince William County Regional
Narcotics Task Force. The Task Force demonstrated superior dedication
to public safety and has been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by
the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line
of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment
to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put
their lives on the line every day to keep our families and
neighborhoods safe.
The Regional Narcotics Task Force is being honored this year for its
exceptional service with an Investigative Merit Award. It is with great
pride that I submit the Task Force into the Congressional Record.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of the men and women who serve on the Manassas Park/Manassas
City/Prince William County Regional Narcotics Task Force. Their
efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Northern Virginia, are
selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my
colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

____________________

COMMENDING TO THE HOUSE MR. EDWARD O. ELLIOTT, II

______

HON. JIM JORDAN

of ohio

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and
congratulate Mr. Edward O. Elliott II for his dedication, commitment,
and service to the restaurant industry as the 85th Chairman of the Ohio
Restaurant Association. Ed was born in Mt. Victory, Ohio, the only son
of five children. He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University
where he earned a degree in industrial personnel management. Upon
graduation, he served our country in the United States Army at Fort Lee
in Virginia and also in Frankfurt, Germany.
When he returned from the service, he worked on his family's 2,000
acre farm and helped manage the family's restaurant, the Plaza Inn
Family Restaurant. Under his stewardship, the restaurant has received
numerous awards, including induction into the Restaurant Hall of Fame,
the Best Family-Owned Restaurant in Ohio, and the ``Best Cream Pies''
and ``Best Breakfast'' by the readers of Country Living.
Prior to his 2-year term as chairman, Ed served the Ohio Restaurant
Association as chair of its Education, Government Affairs and Political
Action Committees, and as secretary, and vice-chairman. Ed follows in
the footsteps of his father, Ed, who was chairman in 1972, and his
sister, Joan, who was chairwoman in 1987.
In addition to being a restaurateur, Ed is currently serving as
president of the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation
Districts, and is a 2-term Hardin County Commissioner.
I would like to thank Ed, his wife Rosalie, their three children and
three grandchildren, for their service to their community.

____________________

IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2010 VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS IN THE PRINCE WILLIAM
COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

______

HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize
outstanding members of the Prince William County Police Department.
These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public
safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince
William Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line
of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment
to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put
their lives on the line every day to keep our families and
neighborhoods safe. The individuals are receiving awards at the 2010
ceremony in a variety of categories: The Silver Valor Award, the
Lifesaving Merit Award, the Lifesaving Award, the Hillary Robinette
Award, and Investigative Merit Award.
Seventeen members of the Prince William County Police Department and
the Department's Street Crimes Unit are being honored this year for
their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I submit their
names into the Congressional Record:
Recipient of the 2010 Silver Valor Award is: Officer Gary Mendoza.
Recipients of the 2010 Lifesaving Merit Award are: Officer Joseph
Westerman, Officer Tiffany Hill, Officer Brandon Fields, and Officer
Heath C. Oyler.
Recipients of the 2010 Lifesaving Award are: Officer Daniel Carton,
Officer Adam Gardner, Officer Mark Depatie, Officer Jennifer Ingraham,
and Officer Nelson Rocha.
Recipients of the 2010 Hillary Robinette Award are: Officer Donald A.
Hoffman, Officer Juan Sanchez, Detective Melvin Negron, Detective
Victor Cordero, and Detective William Colindres.
Recipients of the 2010 Investigative Merit Award are: Detective
Cameron B. Crouch, Officer William E. Whited, and the PWCPD Street
Crimes Unit.

[[Page 5380]]

Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of the men and women who serve in the Prince William County
Police Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of
Prince William County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our
highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group
of remarkable citizens.

____________________

RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF KINGSPORT FOR OBSERVING NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

______

HON. DAVID P. ROE

of tennessee

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the city
of Kingsport, Tennessee for observing the National Day of Prayer on May
6, 2010.
Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress
asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to
prayer has continued through our history. In 1952, a joint resolution
by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual national
day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President
Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.
I am very proud of Mayor Phillips and the city of Kingsport for
observing this important day.

____________________

A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION
OF YOUNG CHILDREN'S WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD FROM APRIL 12 THROUGH 16,
2010

______

HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE

of ohio

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker,
Whereas, the National Association for the Education of Young Children
has declared the week of April 12 through 16, 2010, The Week of the
Young Child; and
Whereas, the Ross County O.U. Chillicothe Child Development and
Family Services Center acknowledges and celebrates The Week of the
Young Child and furthers awareness of the need for early-childhood
support through family, community, and particularly through education;
and
Whereas, the theme of The Week of the Young Child in 2010 is ``Early
Years are Learning Years;'' and
Whereas, The National Association for the Education of Young Children
has advocated for the improved well-being of young children since 1926,
including through the events of The Week of the Young Child: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That along with The National Association for the Education
of Young Children, participating schools and families, and the
community of Ohio's 18th District at large, I strongly support the Ross
County O.U. Chillicothe Child Development and Family Services Center
celebration of The Week of the Young Child from April 12 through 16,
2010.

____________________

IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2010 VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS IN THE OCCOQUAN-
WOODBRIDGE-LORTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

______

HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize
outstanding members of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire
Department. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to
public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the
Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line
of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment
to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put
their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods
safe.
Eight members of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire
Department are being honored this year for their exceptional service.
It is with great pride that I submit their names into the Congressional
Record:
Recipients of the 2010 Bronze Valor Award are: Rescue Chief Ed Craig,
Chief James McAllister, Captain Richard Slusher, Assistant Chief John
M. McGovern III, Lieutenant Steve Godin, Captain John Roberts,
Technician Jason Lowery, and Technician Michael Skeele.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of the men and women who serve in the Occoquan-Woodbridge-
Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the
citizens of Prince William County, are selfless acts of heroism and
truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in
applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

____________________

HONORING SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT ELIZABETH IN CONVENT STATION,
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY

______

HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sisters
of Charity of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station, Morris Township, New
Jersey, which is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year.
The Sisters of Charity were founded under the authority of the first
American Catholic bishop, John Carroll, Bishop of Baltimore by Saint
Elizabeth Ann Seton, in the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint
Louise de Marillac, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1809. In 1859, Mother
Mary Xavier Mehegan founded the New Jersey community known as the
Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth.
For fifty-six years, from 1859 until her death June 24, 1915, Mother
Xavier headed the Sisters of Charity. Parish schools, academies,
hospitals, a day nursery, orphanages, a home for the incurably ill, and
a residence for working women were established. In 1899, a time when
New Jersey had no baccalaureate-degree-granting college for women,
Mother Xavier founded the College of Saint Elizabeth, New Jersey's
oldest four-year college for women and one of the first colleges for
women in the United States.
Since 1859, the Morristown location, now known as Convent Station,
has become a center of learning, of spirituality, and of service to
others and to the community as a whole. Convent Station is home to the
Academy of St. Elizabeth, the Convent of St. Elizabeth, the College of
Saint Elizabeth, Saint Anne Villa, and the Xavier Center.
Today the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth are engaged in over
100 education, health care, pastoral and social service ministries in
15 states, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands, El Salvador, Central
America, Juarez, Mexico and Haiti. These ministries include: Education,
Diocesan and Parish Ministry, Hospitals, Homes for the Aged, Health
Care, Community Centers and Social Services.
Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in
congratulating the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth as they
celebrate 150 dedicated years of service.

____________________

INTRODUCTION OF THE END THE MANDATE ACT

______

HON. RON PAUL

of texas

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the End the Mandate
Act. This legislation repeals the sections of the recently-passed
health reform bill that force all Americans to purchase federally-
approved health insurance plans.
Forcing every American to obtain health insurance is a blatant
violation of the Constitution. Defenders of this provision claim the
Congress's constitutional authority to regulate ``interstate commerce''
gives Congress the power to mandate every American obtain a federally-
approved health insurance plan. However, as Judge Andrew Napolitano and
other distinguished legal scholars and commentators have pointed out,
even the broadest definition of ``regulating interstate commerce''
cannot reasonably encompass forcing Americans to engage in commerce by
purchasing health insurance.
Forcing every American to obtain a congressionally-approved health
insurance plan is not just unconstitutional; it is a violation of the
basic freedom to make our own decisions regarding how best to meet the
health care needs of ourselves and our families.

[[Page 5381]]

Madam Speaker, the new law requires Americans to have what is defined
as ``minimum essential coverage.'' Some people may claim that the
requirement to have ``minimal essential coverage'' does not impose an
unreasonable burden on Americans. There are two problems with this
claim.
First, the very imposition of a health insurance mandate, no matter
how ``minimal'' violates the principles of individual liberty upon
which this country was founded.
Second, the mandate is unlikely to remain ``minimal'' for long. The
experience of states that allow their legislatures to mandate what
benefits health insurance plans must cover has shown that politicizing
health insurance inevitably makes health insurance more expensive. As
the cost of government-mandated health insurance rises, Congress will
likely respond by increasingly subsidizing health insurance for an ever
increasing number of Americans.
When the cost of government-mandated insurance proves to be an
unsustainable burden on individuals, small employers, and the
government, Congress will likely impose price controls on medical
treatments, and even go so far as to limit what procedures and
treatments mandatory insurance will reimburse.
Madam Speaker, Congress made a grave error by forcing all Americans
to purchase health insurance. The mandate violates fundamental
principles of individual liberty, and will lead to further government
involvement in health care. I therefore ask all of my colleagues to
join me in correcting this mistake by cosponsoring the End the Mandate
Act.

____________________

HONORING AWREY BAKERIES

______

HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

of michigan

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge
Awrey Bakeries, upon its 100th anniversary. Awrey Bakeries stands in my
hometown of Livonia, Michigan, as a true model of the American Dream
and the persevering spirit of those bent on attaining that dream. From
its humble beginnings as a one woman shop Awrey's has grown to a more
than 200,000 square foot facility employing 400 people, grossing $90
million in sales.
As Canadian farming foundered in the early 1900s, Fletcher Awrey
chose to immigrate to Detroit, Michigan, in hopes of finding work in
the burgeoning auto industry. To supplement the family income
Fletcher's wife, Elizabeth, baked breads and pastries in her wood-fired
stove and sold them to her neighbors. As demand for the baked goods
grew, her sons sold them door to door.
The Awrey family opened a retail outlet in 1914 and installed
mechanized baking equipment in 1929. In 1930 the company operated 32
stores. Expansion was not slowed by the Great Depression but the sugar
shortage due to rationing during World War II put growth on hold.
However, by 1950 Awrey's expanded to 120 locations and operated a home
delivery service. The company introduced a line of frozen baked goods
aimed at the food service market in 1968 and continued to experience
growth for several decades after moving its present location in Livonia
in the 1970s. In 2002, Awrey's was one of the first companies in the
United States to receive the prestigious Bakers Seal Award from the
American Institute of Baking.
After 95 years of family ownership, Awrey's Bakeries was purchased by
Hilco Equity and Monomoy Capital Partners who have taken great pride in
continuing the tradition of high quality baked goods that have placed
the Awrey's name among Detroit's homegrown favorites.
Madam Speaker, for 100 years Awrey Bakeries has stood as a tribute to
the hard work of Fletcher and Elizabeth Awrey and their family. As the
company celebrates this enormous milestone, it personifies a legacy of
excellence, ingenuity, and the irrepressible spirit of the American
entrepreneur. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating
Awrey Bakeries and recognizing their years of loyal service to our
community and country.

____________________

IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2010 VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS IN THE FAIRFAX COUNTY
POLICE DEPARTMENT

______

HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize
outstanding members of the Fairfax County Police Department. These
individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and
have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince William
Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line
of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment
to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put
their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods
safe.
Three members of the Fairfax County Police Department are being
honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride
that I submit their names into the Congressional Record:
Recipients of the 2010 Bronze Valor Award are: Pilot Chuck Angle,
Officer Tim Schilling and Officer Jon Karninski.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Police
Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Fairfax
County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest
praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of
remarkable citizens.

____________________

HONORING RONALD J. KELTY

______

HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

of illinois

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and
distinguished career of Ronald J. Kelty. Mr. Kelty, a Citizen of the
Ojibwe and Potawatomie Tribes of Wisconsin, and Native Veteran of the
United States Army, has dedicated his life to serving the nation, the
American Indian Center of Chicago, and our local community.
Mr. Kelty began his work at the American Indian Center by taking on
the important leadership role of running a social service food pantry
with only the help of a few volunteers. He has played a key role in
expanding the American Indian Center, which today provides 14 programs
that provide resources, foster economic and educational advancement,
and sustain the cultural values of all American Indians. He has also
been instrumental in building the AIC team of over 30 employees.
Mr. Kelty served as a Board Member of the American Indian Center for
17 consecutive years. He was Board President for 14 of those years. Mr.
Kelty has also been a Traditional Native Dancer for over 40 years,
performing for the Native American community countless times.
Mr. Kelty, a loving husband, father and grandfather, served in the
United States Army. His service in the U.S. Army further demonstrates
his tireless dedication to servicing the nation and the people of the
United States.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ronald
J. Kelty for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community.
He exemplifies the values of compassion and service, and I thank him
for his many years of dedication to our community.

____________________

STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF H. RES. 1041 AND H. RES. 1042

______

HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

of idaho

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my support for H.
Res. 1041 and H. Res. 1042, both offered by my colleague from Idaho,
Congressman Walt Minnick.
The resolutions honor the successes of two excellent college football
programs in Idaho and commend them on their historic 2009 seasons.
H. Res. 1041 congratulates the University of Idaho's football team,
led by head coach Rob Akey, for their remarkable season, capped by
their thrilling come from behind victory in the Roady's Humanitarian
Bowl. The success of this team marked an exceptional turnaround for a
program that has struggled in the past and now is amongst the best in
the conference after a stellar 2009. It can be expected that Coach Akey
and his staff will continue to succeed in Moscow, where they have
developed a mindset that expects to win.

[[Page 5382]]

H. Res. 1042 commends Boise State University for another fantastic
football season in 2009. Coach Chris Peterson has developed BSU into
one of the most prestigious programs in the nation. Indeed, 2009 was
perhaps the most successful in Boise, with the Broncos posting a 14-0
undefeated record, culminating in a convincing victory in the Tostitos
Fiesta Bowl and a number four national ranking to end the season. Coach
Peterson was also awarded the Paul `Bear' Bryant Award, as the NCAA
college football national coach of the year, a deserved honor. Enough
cannot be said about the work of Coach Peterson and the players to
transform BSU into a national powerhouse in only a few years.
As we look ahead to 2010, we can expect more good things from both of
these programs, and both of these universities. The people of Idaho are
truly blessed to have such world class universities in their state.

____________________

IN MEMORY OF BOB FRANKS

______

HON. RUSH D. HOLT

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to
honor the life of an outstanding Member of Congress from New Jersey,
Bob Franks, who passed away on Friday after a battle with cancer.
During his 14 years in the General Assembly and eight years as a
member of this body, Bob was dedicated to bettering the lives of New
Jerseyans.
Principled, relentless, genial and magnanimous, Bob, like few others,
had the ability to work across the aisle and earn the trust and respect
of political allies and opponents alike--a skill regretfully in short
supply these days.
After leaving Congress, Bob remained active in public affairs--while
spending more time with family than the Congressional schedule would
permit--leading the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey. It was during
his time as president of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey that I
worked closely with Bob and was able to know his good nature and policy
acumen first-hand. I feel fortunate to have had such an opportunity.
I ask that the Members of the House extend sympathy to Bob's wife
Fran, his family and friends. He will be missed.

____________________

IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2010 VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS IN THE DALE CITY
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

______

HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize
outstanding members of the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department. These
individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and
have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince William
Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line
of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment
to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put
their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods
safe.
Two members of the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department are being
honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride
that I submit their names into the Congressional Record:
Recipients of the 2010 Bronze Valor Award are: Sergeant Joe McCann
and Firefighter Aaron Kollmorgen.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of the men and women who serve in the Dale City Volunteer
Fire Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of
Prince William County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our
highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group
of remarkable citizens.

____________________

PERSONAL EXPLANATION

______

HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

of california

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, on March 25, 2010, I was unavoidably
detained and was unable to record my vote for rollcall No. 191. Had I
been present I would have voted:
Rollcall No. 191: ``yes''--Supporting the goals and ideals of
National Public Works Week, and for other purposes.

____________________

HONORING GERALD GAJEWSKI

______

HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

of michigan

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and mourn the
extraordinary life of Gerald Gajewski upon his passing at the age of
68.
Born on October 12, 1941, Gerry Gajewski dedicated his life to
serving his community and his country. After honorably serving his
country as a member of the United States Air Force, Gerry came home to
serve Redford Township as Recreation Commissioner and Township Trustee.
He also was an active member of the Redford Township Rotary Club,
serving as president five times.
Regrettably, on April 8, 2010, Gerry Gajewski passed from this
earthly world to his eternal reward. He is survived by his beloved
wife, Gloria and his son, Jeffrey. A devoted brother to sisters Gloria
Jean and Christina, Gerry leaves a legacy of 17 nieces and nephews. A
courageous and honorable man, Gerry will be sorely missed.
Madam Speaker, Gerald Gajewski is remembered as a compassionate
father, a dedicated husband, a leader, a soldier and a friend. Gerry
was a man who deeply treasured his family, friends, community and his
country. Today, as we bid Gerry farewell, I ask my colleagues to join
me in mourning his passing and honoring his unwavering patriotism and
legendary service to our country and community.

____________________

TRIBUTE TO MAYOR JAMES ROBERTS

______

HON. RON PAUL

of texas

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, on April 15, 2010, the City of Fulshear,
Texas, which is in my congressional district, will host a reception
honoring Mayor James Roberts, who is stepping down this year. It is my
pleasure to join the people of Fulshear in thanking Mayor Roberts for
his years of service.
Mayor Roberts was first elected mayor in 1977, shortly after Fulshear
was incorporated. James Roberts was a logical choice to serve as
Fulshear's first mayor, as his efforts were instrumental in
incorporating Fulshear. Mayor Roberts served as Mayor until 1984. In
2006, he returned to the Mayor's office.
A graduate of Baylor University, James Roberts has worked as a
textbook publisher representative, a world history teacher and a coach.
In 1973, he founded J.W. Roberts and Company, a wholesale outlet for
industrial hoses, clamps, ducting, fittings and tubings. In addition to
building a business, working to incorporate Fulshear, and then serving
as mayor, James Roberts has also been involved in a variety of
community activities, including 20 years on the Board of the Fort Bend
County Library, 2 years on the Lamar Consolidated School Board, nine of
which he spent as School Board President. Mayor Roberts has also served
as the Deacon of Youth of the Graeber Road Church of Christ. Mayor
Roberts is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the American
Heart Association.
Madam Speaker, I once again wish to express my pleasure in joining
the people of Fulshear in thanking James Roberts for his work to
incorporate Fulshear, his service as Mayor, and all of his work to
better the lives of the people of his community.

____________________

IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2010 VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS IN THE MANASSAS CITY
POLICE DEPARTMENT

______

HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize
outstanding members of the Manassas City Police Department. These
individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and
have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince William
Regional Chamber of Commerce.

[[Page 5383]]

The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line
of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment
to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put
their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods
safe. The individuals are receiving awards at the 2010 ceremony in two
categories: The Lifesaving Award and the Investigative Merit Award.
Three members of the Manassas City Police Department are being
honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride
that I submit their names into the Congressional Record:
Recipient of the 2010 Lifesaving Award is: Officer Donald W. Hylton.
Recipients of the 2010 Investigative Merit Award are: Senior
Detective David E. Abbott, Jr. and Darwin A. Guyton.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of the men and women who serve in the Manassas City Police
Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Manassas
City, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise.
I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable
citizens.

____________________

RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION

______

HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

of illinois

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of America's
front-line government workers from Maine to Montana, Spokane to
Sarasota and everywhere in between--especially Austin, Texas.
On February 18, an angry and misguided individual took out his
personal frustrations and his own failures when he flew a plane into a
federal government building outside Austin. The impetus for his
deplorable and heinous act: settling a grudge against tax authorities
and a government he deemed un-American. But his weapon of choice,
mimicking the greatest American tragedy of this generation, shows how
confused and simply wrong he was.
His plane took the life of a member of the National Treasury
Employees Union, Vernon Hunter. Vernon was a victim of the worst kind--
an innocent bystander in the worst place at the worst time. But
economic hardship is the fertilizer that grows fear-mongering and from
those depths despair can be a dangerous weapon. We must take the time
to educate the public, stand with our friends at the Treasury, and
bridge the divide between ignorance and understanding so that we may
never again mourn a friend at the NTEU.
Our largest federal employees union, the NTEU is an eclectic and
dedicated group that does everything from print our money to guard our
borders. Its members can be scientists searching for a cure for cancer
or working to preserve our national parks and historical sites. The
NTEU has a hand in agriculture, commerce, finance, and health care,
and, above all, is a vital part of every community across the country.
It is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences to all who were
touched by February's tragedy, but with a renewed spirit that I pledge
my support to the NTEU and each and every one of its members.

____________________

HONORING COMMUNITY SOUP KITCHEN AND OUTREACH CENTER IN MORRISTOWN, NEW
JERSEY

______

HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Community
Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center in Morristown, New Jersey, which is
celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Twenty-five years ago, a small group of people opened the doors of
their church armed with chicken noodle soup and a determination to feed
the hungry in Morristown. Since then, much has changed in our
community, but the primary mission of the Community Soup Kitchen and
Outreach Center of Morristown has remained the same: They are committed
to providing nutritious meals in a warm, safe, and caring environment.
The Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown was established in 1984 at
St. Peter's Episcopal Church to serve the community by serving meals
and providing support to the homeless, working poor, and elderly of
Morristown and the surrounding towns. Over the past 25 years, the
Community Soup Kitchen has developed from an establishment serving
people only on Saturday's to one that is open 365 days a year, serving
approximately 250 guests per day in a welcoming and safe environment.
Last year alone, the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown served
53,278 meals. The kitchen has continued to expand, and now has the
ability of serving 300 people per day. Recently, the kitchen has
incorporated the Healthy Choices . . . Healthy Lives! program, which
teaches individuals the importance of eating healthy food and
maintaining a well balanced diet. The newly created outreach program
provides assistance to guests by encouraging and assisting people to
access community resources, services, and educational programs. By
providing people with this support, the kitchen is creating countless
opportunities for people to succeed and live a better life.
The Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center of Morristown has
continuously provided valuable support to those in our community, and
has achieved the selfless goal of improving our society by providing
individuals with much needed food and opportunity.
Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in
congratulating the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown and Outreach
Center as they celebrate 25 dedicated years of service.

____________________

IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL ARTS IN THE SCHOOL DAY

______

HON. NITA M. LOWEY

of new york

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to National
Arts in the School Day. This great program gives young people the
opportunity to experience and be exposed to art of all kinds. Last
year, six schools in Port Chester, New York opened their doors to 35
guest artists who shared their work with students from kindergarten
through 12th grade, and I am pleased that schools will be participating
again this year on April 15th.
Research has shown that arts education is closely linked to academic
achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement, and
equitable opportunity. Experiencing art can connect people more deeply
to the world around them, encourage students to be open to new
perceptions of the world, and create foundations for social bonds and
community cohesion.
I encourage all schools around the country to celebrate the arts on
National Arts in the School Day. Through projects large or small--
school-wide performances or even inviting local artists to help
children appreciate art in all forms--we can raise awareness of the
importance of art and art appreciation and renew our commitment to arts
education.

____________________

IN RECOGNITION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF GIRLS ON THE RUN OF NORTHERN
VIRGINIA

______

HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize
Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia and to congratulate them on the
occasion of their 10th Anniversary.
All of us who have a daughter or niece, or even know a young or pre-
teen girl, understand very well the difficulties that many experience
on their journey to adulthood. Peer pressure, the media, and other
external influences can often cause our young daughters to feel
inadequate or simply not good enough. Girls on the Run seeks to address
this issue by encouraging healthy choices and instilling confidence
that all girls belong ``just the way they are.''
Girls on the Run was originally founded in 1996 by Molly Barker, a
four-time Hawaii Ironman triathlete to celebrate the gifts of girlhood
and fight what she calls ``Girl-Box'' issues. Girl-Box is a place where
girls and young teens are valued more for their outward appearance than
their character inside. This can result in low self-esteem and a
distorted body image which have been linked to eating disorders, teen
pregnancy and substance abuse. Girls on the Run focuses on the
development of a healthy, positive self-image and strives to empowers
all girls to have a strong sense of identity, resist peer pressure,
stand

[[Page 5384]]

up for themselves in a healthy manner, and understand their importance
as individuals and as part of the larger community. In just 15 years,
Girls on the Run now serves over 60,000 girls annually throughout the
United States and into Canada.
Girls on the Run came to Northern Virginia in 2001 and initially had
only 2 sites serving 27 girls. In 2010, Girls on the Run of NOVA, as
the largest chapter in the national organization, will offer over 200
programs in 172 locations and serve more than 6,000 girls. Based out of
public and private schools in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince
William counties as well as the cities of Alexandria, Manassas,
Manassas Park, Fairfax City and Falls Church, Girls on the Run NOVA
reaches across all ethnic, racial and socio-economic lines. No girl is
ever denied because of inability to pay the modest fees assessed for
this program--financial aid is offered to qualifying individuals. In
2008 over one-third of all participants received financial assistance.
Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating
Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia on the occasion of their 10th
Anniversary and also in thanking them for their commitment to
instilling self-respect and dignity to all of our daughters in Northern
Virginia.

____________________

INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 4992

______

HON. ZACH WAMP

of tennessee

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, today I introduced the First Responders
Protection Act to better protect the men and women who risk their lives
every day on our behalf from the financial hardship related to
potentially frivolous lawsuits. Too often, first responders can be
forced to deplete their savings, put their own homes in jeopardy or
sacrifice their retirement to pay for legal counsel to defend
themselves.
The First Responders Protection Act gives employers the authority to
provide financial assistance for employees facing litigation after
certain events that occur when performing their jobs. This bill would
not override the comparable policies that some States already have in
place, and it would offer assistance to any States to implement one.
Upon review by attorneys and law enforcement experts, H.R. 413, which
I previously supported, simply went too far without fully addressing
this real issue affecting these men and women. My legislation, the
First Responders Protection Act, is more narrowly crafted to keep first
responders and their families from being financially drained as a
result of frivolous lawsuits. I urge its passage in lieu of the
previous bill.

____________________

A PROCLAMATION HONORING THE AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE

______

HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE

of ohio

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker,
Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute was founded in 1974 with a
commitment to upholding fairness and justice for the people of Greece
and Cyprus;
Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute has sponsored education
initiatives to promote peace and mutual understanding between peoples;
Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute has increased cultural
awareness and preservation for Greek-Americans and Hellenic people
across the world;
Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute has steadfastly worked for
the reunification of Cyprus;
Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute has stood by the Ecumenical
Patriarchate in Constantinople;
Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute has worked tirelessly to
improve U.S. foreign relations with the people of Greece and Cyprus:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That as a proud Greek American, I commend the American
Hellenic Institute for its principled commitment to the causes
important to Hellenic people across the world, and in honor of the
189th year of Greek Independence, I stand firmly behind the American
Hellenic Institute's efforts to represent the interests and values of
Hellenic people everywhere.

____________________

LADYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

______

HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

of michigan

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge
Ladywood High School, Catholic college preparatory school in the
Felician/Franciscan tradition, as they celebrate their 60 years of
educating young women in my hometown of Livonia, Michigan.
Named for the beautiful wooded property on which it is located,
Ladywood was dedicated to Our Lady under her title Our Lady of the
Woods and opened its doors to 45 students on September 11, 1950. The
first commencement was celebrated on June 7, 1953, with a graduating
class of 12 young women. Having been continually accredited since 1951,
Ladywood now educates young ladies from 40 communities, 5 counties and
50 zip codes.
Ladywood was chosen as an ``Outstanding American High School'' by
U.S. News and World Report and is recognized by the American College
Testing Education Division for exceeding national performance scores
while matriculating 99 to 100 percent of her graduates to colleges and
universities. The State of Michigan and the Wayne County Department of
Environment have designated the Ladywood High School as an Official
Michigan Green School.
Madam Speaker, for 60 years Ladywood High School has maintained a
prominent presence in the Metropolitan Detroit area as a national
leader for excellence in education by honoring the pledge made by the
Felician Sisters not only to ensure academic distinction but to provide
for the spiritual and personal formation of the young ladies entrusted
to them. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the
administration, faculty, staff and students of Ladywood High School and
recognizing their years of loyal service to our youth, our community
and our country.

____________________

IN RECOGNITION OF HELEN CRAM

______

HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

of virginia

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize
Helen Cram and her substantial contributions to political and civic
life in Prince William County.
Ms. Cram's political career began when she spent the fall of 1952
handing out ``grip cards'' for her father's successful candidacy for
North Dakota State Secretary. The family's victory launched Ms. Cram
into a political career that spanned over four decades and consisted of
positions in the offices of local, state and federal elected officials.
After two sessions as a Page in the North Dakota House of
Representatives and six years in the personal office of a Public
Service Commissioner, Ms. Cram moved to Virginia. She joined the staff
of the late U.S. Senator from North Dakota, Quentin Burdick, in 1962
and remained in his office for six years. She spent the rest of her
time in the federal government working for U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd,
Jr. until she retired in 1982. Discovering that retirement life was not
for her, Ms. Cram ended her retirement one month later when she went to
work for Delegate David Brickley in the Virginia General Assembly. Ms.
Cram served as Delegate Brickley's legislative assistant until 1998.
Throughout her time as a public servant Ms. Cram has remained active
in Democratic politics. Ms. Cram became a member of the Prince William
County Democratic Committee in 1970 and served seventeen years as
secretary of that committee. She was Campaign Manager many times for
David Brickley for Delegate; served as Campaign Manager for Chuck
Colgan for Senate in 1988; was co-campaign manager with Charlie Gnadt
for Prince William County for Senator Harry Byrd; managed five
magisterial districts for Paul Ebert for Commonwealth's Attorney; she
was the campaign treasurer for Leo Harrison and Lyle Cram when they
each ran for Woodbridge District Board of County Supervisors, and
served as campaign manager for the Prince William County Road Bond
Committee in 1985. She also served for a short time as the aide to the
late Coles Magisterial District Supervisor, G. Richard Pfitzner, when
he was on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.
Somehow Ms. Cram also found time to volunteer for several community
organizations in Prince William County. She served on the Board of
Directors for the American Red Cross; held every office of the
Woodbridge Little League Ladies Auxiliary; was District Director for
the Little League Ladies Auxiliaries for District 9 (Prince William and
part of Fairfax Counties); and was a volunteer for the Boy

[[Page 5385]]

Scouts of America Troop 1357. Ms. Cram has been the IRS Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance Program coordinator at Potomac Library for
thirty-one years. She currently serves as secretary to the Prince
William County Board of Elections and has been on the Board nine years.
Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Helen
Cram; a truly dedicated community activist. I would like to extend my
personal appreciation to Ms. Cram for her immeasurable impact on the
Prince William community.

____________________

THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010

______

HON. ALAN GRAYSON

of florida

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mr. GRAYSON. Madam Speaker, the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act of 2010 is a triumph for American consumers of health
insurance and health care. When fully implemented, it will extend
health care insurance to 32 million uninsured Americans, covering 95
percent of American citizens and legal residents. It will extend
premium affordability tax credits to 20 million Americans and help 4
million small businesses provide health insurance for their workers. By
the end of this year it will end some of the worst insurance company
abuses such as post-claims underwriting or lifetime limits on coverage.
When fully implemented it will ban even more, including health status
underwriting and exclusions of pre-existing conditions. This
legislation will ``bend the curve'' in the unsustainable growth in
health care costs while improving the quality of American health care.
It encourages wellness and prevention and will help Americans become
among the best informed health insurance consumers in the world.
Such sweeping legislation cannot explicitly address every issue that
will arise under its provisions. In the near term, the legislation must
be implemented through regulations promulgated by the federal executive
agencies--in particular Health and Human Services, Labor, and
Treasury--and by the states. Ultimately, the courts may need to
interpret some of the provisions of the statute.
It is important, therefore, to set down the intention of Congress as
to the principles of construction that should be applied in
implementing and interpreting the law. The first and foremost of these
is captured in the title of the bill. This legislation should always be
construed to protect patients and to make health insurance and health
care more affordable for consumers. Whenever the bill is silent or
ambiguous on a particular issue it should be construed by a federal or
state agency or court to accomplish this goal.
Many of the provisions of this bill, including the premium tax
credits and cost-sharing assistance, the individual and employer
responsibility provisions, and the Medicare and Medicaid reforms and
expansions, must be implemented by the federal agencies. In drafting
regulations, the agencies must first and foremost attend to the
interests of patients, consumers, and beneficiaries. Many other
provisions will ultimately be implemented by the states. The general
interpretive principle of the insurance reform legislation in relation
to the states is found in section 1321(d), which states ``Nothing in
this title shall be construed to preempt any State law that does not
prevent the application of the provisions of this title.'' In other
words, state laws more protective of consumers are preserved; state
laws less protective of consumers are preempted.
Several issues raised by the legislation illustrate the application
of these principles. First, nowhere does section 2719, which prescribes
internal and external review procedures that insurance plans must
follow when consumers appeal coverage determinations, explicitly state
that all state and federal judicial remedies remain available if an
appeal is denied both internally and externally. Every state, however,
provides for judicial review of insurance claims denials in the
nongroup market and 29 U.S.C. sec. 1132 offers judicial review of group
health claims. These remedies are not expressly displaced by the law,
and it is the intention of Congress that they continue to be available
to aggrieved consumers.
Second, grandfathering of insurance plans that pre-date the
legislation is not forever. A principle announced repeatedly by the
President throughout the debate was that ``if you like the insurance
coverage you have, you can keep it.'' Congress never intended, however,
that if you had insurance coverage you did not like, you would be stuck
with it forever. Section 1251 of the PPACA, therefore, should not be
interpreted to mean that an insured who is enrolled in a group health
plan will never be extended the consumer protections found in the
legislation. If coverage under the plan changes significantly, for
example through increased cost-sharing for members, the plan's
grandfathered status should be lost and the full protections of the
legislation apply.
Third, the ban on pre-existing condition exclusions for children
under sec. 10103(e) does not merely mean that plans cannot exclude pre-
existing conditions from coverage, but also that they cannot exclude
children with pre-existing conditions from coverage. The law must be
interpreted broadly to achieve its purposes, not narrowly to encourage
evasion.
Fourth, the provisions of sec. 2714 of the Public Health Services Act
added by sec. 1001 of the PPACA extending coverage to adult children up
to age 26 should be interpreted to require the extension of family
coverage to cover adult children, not to permit insurers to separately
underwrite such children or to require them to pay the full cost of
adult coverage.
Fifth, the provisions of sec. 1332 of the PPACA allowing state
waivers for innovation are intended to provide maximum flexibility for
the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Health and Human
Services so long as the state plan is at least as comprehensive and
affordable, and so long as it covers at least as many people as the law
would provide otherwise.
Finally, the provisions of sec. 715 of ERISA added by 1562 of the
PPACA should be understood to fully extend all of the protections of
the PPACA that apply to group health plans to all employment-related
health plans, including self-insured plans. The law should also be
understood to intend that the full authority of the Departments of
Labor and Treasury in regulating and enforcing the law against ERISA
plans is available to enforce the terms of the PPACA.
These are only a few examples of many issues that will no doubt arise
in implementing and interpreting the law. The general principles that
they illustrate, however, must be applied throughout by the federal
agencies, by the states, and by the courts. This law is intended to
protect patients and consumers, and whenever it is silent or unclear,
it must be construed toward these ends.